FCCPS Performance Results Released
Student Achievement Remains Priority
POSTED: 12:44 p.m. EDT, August 31, 2011
Contact: John Brett, FCCPS Communications
Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) has received preliminary results of the school division’s 2011 performance related to International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL).
International Baccalaureate 288 George Mason High School students were enrolled in the IB program during 2010-2011. There were 34 full IB Diplomas awarded. GM continued a steady climb from an 85% success pass rate in 2006, to a 97% pass rate in 2011.
“George Mason should be proud of their results which placed them as one of the highest performing IB schools in the United States,” Superintendent Toni Jones said. The IB program allows FCCPS to prepare students on a global scale utilizing the same curriculum standards and assessments that are used in more than 140 countries around the world. “GM’s results continue to outpace world averages,” Dr. Jones added.
Virginia Standards of LearningFCCPS vigorously pursues a program of excellence that promotes a high level of student achievement. Our mission is for every student to meet or exceed the Virginia benchmarks. Each school individually, and FCCPS collectivly, is focused on analyzing data to target segments of need, and celebrate areas of excellence.
How Is FCCPS Measured on the Virginia SOL Tests?
Two performance expectations of student achievement make up the core areas monitored in determining adequate yearly progress (AYP). These indicators measure our progress towards the goals set forth in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001.
- English performance at or above the annual measureable objective (AMO)
- Mathematics performance at or above the annual measureable objective (AMO)
The AMO is the percentage of FCCPS students who must pass in each tested subject area, and with all sub-group populations- in order to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).
Each year, the AMO is increased with the expectation, under No Child Left Behind, that in 2014 100% of all students should pass the SOL. Difficultly arises when comparing one year to the next as a school can make tremendous progress, yet when the AMO percentage is increased, a school can then fall short of the new target the following year.
What is a subgroup?
The subgroups are defined by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as those students who are: Economically Disadvantaged, Hispanic, White, Black, Limited English Proficient, and Students with Disabilities. Students may be counted in more than one subgroup. All subgroups must meet the benchmark in order for a school to make AYP.
Expected Annual Targets
Every subgroup is expected to meet the benchmark. But only those subgroups with 50 or more students across the division are counted for AYP purposes.
The Target for the Number of Students Expected to Pass Increases Each Year
2008-2009 English 77% Math 75%
2009-2010 English 81% Math 79%
2010-2011 English 86% Math 85% *Current Year
Analysis of 2010-2011 Data
FCCPS met AYP in 3 of 4 school sites for 2010-2011. While some of our schools have a small “n”, less than 50 in a subgroup, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School had subgroups which met the 50 student population mark putting them in a different category and resulting in a “Did Not Make AYP” mark. FCCPS is considered as not meeting AYP for 2011, even though all schools are fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education.
It is interesting to note that only four of Virginia’s 132 school divisions made AYP based on 2010-2011 achievement. Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction, Patricia Wright, says the 10-year-old accountability system established under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has outlived its usefulness and should be overhauled.
The assessment data has not deflated morale, but “spawned a renewed sense of urgency to make sure that we reach and find success with every student who attends school at FCCPS,” Dr. Jones said.
It should not go unnoticed that the overall performance of the division is strong. “There were 2,535 math and reading exams administered in 2010-2011, with 94% of FCCPS students meeting or exceeding the benchmark in English, and 93% meeting or exceeding the benchmark in math,” Dr. Jones noted. “This success includes all students, in all categories.”
2011-2012 Focus
FCCPS is focused on 100% student success on the SOL assessments. This summer, every FCCPS school curriculum leader and principal attended a 2-day institute led by Dr. Tom Jenkins from North Carolina; an expert in reaching and teaching all children.
This year FCCPS is re-focusing federal funds for additional intensive, on-site professional development with Dr. Jenkins. This robust training model will enhance every teacher and leader’s knowledge on how best to use data to guide instruction that gets results.
“We have the best staff in the country, and we are focused on enhancing our craft at teaching a broad range of diverse students with unique talents and needs,” said Dr. Jones.
The FCCPS VDOE Report Card is available online:
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