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Below are a few bulleted items to consider in response to the
“Cities in Crisis” report by EPE Research Center, dated April 1,
2008:
·
EPE
Research Center graduation rate, at 42.2% for 2003-2004 varies
dramatically from the graduation rate calculated per our state
reporting structure. The District’s graduation rate reported for the
2003-2004 academic year was 50.2% (source 2004-05 ODE District
Report Card) This report exemplifies the need to have a
uniform (national) calculation structure for graduation rates.
·
It
should be noted our five year trend for graduation rate indicates
slow but steady improvement as a district (source 2003-2006 ODE
District Report Cards).
o
2003-2004 50.2%
o
2004-2005 51.8%
o
2005-2006 55.0%
o
2006-2007 60.0% (anticipated)
·
The
emphasis of this study supports the mission and vision of the
District’s five year strategic plan that specifically targets
improvement of graduation rate and OGT passage. Highlights of
current activities are noted below that demonstrate as a district
how we are systematically working to make academic improvements for
the district:
o
Continue to expand algebra and physical science for all 8th
graders to participate.
o
The
preliminary data from our Math-Science Partnership (MSP) data
indicates that 50.4% (446 students) taking a Physical Science
course scored proficient or higher on the 8th grade
science OAT SY07 as compared to the district average of 29%.
o
70.5% (390 students) who took Pre-Algebra/Algebra courses scored
proficient or higher on the 8th grade math OAT for SY07
as compared to 48.5% for the district average. This preliminary
data is encouraging because it supports the districts vision for all
K-8 buildings to provide algebra and physical science coursework to
eighth grade students.
o
Continue to expand the Advanced Placement course offerings. The
district has made modest gains in terms of growth towards advanced
placement exam participation by students. Having all sophomores and
juniors take the PSAT will continue to support growth in this area
(source: Collegeboard AP potential reports).
o
Continue to provide more opportunities for honors and PSEO
coursework and through summer bridge activities.
o
Focused delivery of services such as OGT Saturday sessions, extended
day activities, ACT/SAT seminars as part of the high school
curriculum will build the students’ test college readiness skill
sets for district students.
o
Continue to develop and align internship/shadowing opportunities
related to the students’ individual and academic career plan which
brings relevance to high school coursework..
In closing this
study only adds more fuel to the sense of urgency and purpose
already generated by our District’s strategic plan which
specifically addresses the need not only to increase passage rates
on the Ohio Graduation Tests but ultimately increase the graduation
rate. As a District we are on course to providing a more systematic
approach to closing the achievement gap between urban and suburban
districts as noted by this study.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eugene
T.W. Sanders
CEO, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
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