Early EOC Analysis

A LYS leader who took over an academically unacceptable campus submits the following status report.

SC,

Below are our results after year one of implementing the Foundation Trinity with urgency and fidelity.  Which we both know is the only workable plan for sustainable school improvement.  Though we have a long way to go, our progress this year was satisfactory.

Reading: 81% met the minimum standard; 72% met the satisfactory standard for the phase in standard; 47% met the satisfactory standard for the recommended standard; and 0% met the advanced standards. 

Writing: 62.5% met the minimum standard; 62.5% met the satisfactory standard for the phase in standard; 44% met the satisfactory standard for the recommended standard; and 0% met the advanced standards. 

Algebra 1: 100% met the minimum standard; 96.8% met the satisfactory standard for the phase in standard; 56% met the satisfactory standard for the recommended standard; and 15.6% met the advanced standards. 

Biology: 90.6% met the minimum standard; 87.5% met the satisfactory standard for the phase in standard; 46.8% met the satisfactory standard for the recommended standard; and 6.2% met the advanced standards. 

World Geography: 90.3% met the minimum standard; 80.6% met the satisfactory standard for the phase in standard; 45.2% made the satisfactory standard for the recommended standard; and 3% met the advanced standards.  

With the exception of writing, I think this is a decent initial showing on the new EOC.  Based on my discussions with superintendents and principals around the state, our writing scores may actually be about average, which is scary.  We still have considerable work to do as the increased standards are phased in each year, but who can argue with 96.8% meeting the current satisfactory standard in Algebra 1?  The World Geography scores are respectable, but it is interesting that Ervin Knezek’s prediction that social studies scores would go down on EOC was correct, especially since we were at near 100% on TAKS. 

SC Response

Like you, I’m not celebrating your scores, but I am far from disappointed.  Especially when you consider the level of underperformance that was occurring prior to your arrival.

There are two things I would like the reader to consider.  First, the best way to think of the EOC is as a program review. The EOC simply measures if the required content was covered, taught at the appropriate rigor, and retained.  Based on that understanding, as a state and as a profession we have considerable work ahead of us.

Second, the student population that you serve is significantly over-represented with students who are economically disadvantaged and/or limited English proficient.  Meaning that all of those in our profession who believe that teaching at-risk population in a high accountability environment is a no-win proposition, couldn’t be more wrong.    

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

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