Education + Communication = a Better Nation
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® Education + Communication = A Better Nation www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Netragrednik FOUNDER/PUBLISHER: Kay Coop Neta M adison 562/493-3193 • [email protected] Kay Coop Founder / Publisher Advertising Sales 562/493-3193 • Fax: 562/430-8063 Home CONTRIBUTING CARTOONIST: Neta Madison Production Room Laura Brune 562/493-3193 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Thank you for your interest in public education. This is our 5th edition highlighting each of the district superintendents in the Orange County K-12 public schools. Our goal is to introduce each superin- tendent with their brief message and SCHOOL NEWS ROLL CALL to encourage you to visit their individual P.O. Box 728, Seal Beach, CA 90740 web sites for indepth information 562/430-3338 • Fax: 562/430-8063 (the web sites are printed at the top www.schoolnewsrollcall.com of each district page in this issue). COPYRIGHT © 2006, SCHOOL NEWS ROLL CALL LLC Also, many districts may be Reproduction in whole or in part without written found on social networks. permission is strictly prohibited unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed by contributing writers and guest The quality of our communities is columnists are their views and not necessarily those of School News Roll Call. This publication is privately directly related to the quality of our owned and the right is reserved to select and edit content. public schools and Orange County has much to be proud of. 2 SCHOOL NEWS ROLL CALL Orange County Department of Education STAR Test Results 200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92628 The 2010 Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) results show that for 714/966-4000 www.ocde.us the fourth year in a row, science test scores rose in grades 5, 8, and 10. There were increases in the percentage of Orange County students scoring proficient and advanced in grades 3-11 for English language arts and for grades 3-7 in Strong Academic Achievement mathematics. There was a five percentage-point gain in 5th grade science, a two percentage-point increase for 8th grade science, and a one percentage point Having a strong education system is the foundation for a well increase for 10th grade life science. prepared workforce, safer communities, and a thriving economy. In the current economic climate, it is more crucial than ever that California High School Exit Exam we maintain a high quality education for students in order to The purpose of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) is to ensure support the economic recovery of our county, our state, and that students who graduate from public high schools demonstrate competency in beyond. Orange County is committed to continuing to meet the reading, writing, and mathematics. For Orange County’s 10th grade first-time test needs of our diverse population, while also preparing our students takers, the scores in both math and English/language arts exceeded the state as a for the challenges of the future with the knowledge, critical whole and increased from last year by one percent in English/language arts, William M. thinking skills, and ingenuity that will ensure competitiveness while remaining the same in mathematics. Habermehl with the best in the world. Superintendent Supporting English Learners California educates more than a third of the nation’s overall population of English learners (EL). In 2009-2010, 28.2% of Orange County students were classified as English learners in comparison to the overall state at 23.7%. The percentage of students designated to Fluent English Proficient increased from 9.2% in 2008-2009 to 11% in 2009-2010. Dropout Rate Ensuring students complete high school is crucial for many reasons. Students who drop out typically earn less than graduates, contribute about half as much in taxes, and are more likely to require government subsidies in the form of food stamps, housing assistance, and welfare payments. Orange County offers educa- tional programs and services that support students, train staff, and improve school climate to prevent students from dropping out of school and to assist those who have dropped out to complete their education. Orange County’s Adjusted Four Year Derived Dropout Rate was 14.3% in 2009, in comparison to Source: Based on 2009-2010 California Department of Education data and statistics, the statewide rate of 21.5%. Dataquest; LEA Reporting Form Title 1, 2009-2010 Source: California Department of Education, California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data system (CALPADS), Adjusted Grade 9-12 Four Year Rate 2008-2009 Our educators are using creative ways to ensure that students learn English quickly and effectively. Districts continue to analyze the progress of English The Importance of Quality Education learners and develop additional supports and resources to better serve this In this rapidly changing economy, the job growing population. market requires employees to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. Future jobs Academic Performance Index that have been projected will incorporate a Academic performance in California is measured by the Academic wide variety of education, training, and skill Performance Index (API) which is a composite score of results from standardized requirements. Studies show that a high quality proficiency exams in core content areas in grades 2-12. The statewide performance education is critical for individuals to thrive goal for schools and districts is 800 and Orange County schools have collectively and participate as productive citizens. Well edu- met the target. The overall API score for Orange County schools of all levels was cated citizens contribute more in taxes and 801 in 2009 and 813 in 2010. alleviate spending on health, prisons, and welfare. Our schools are focused on preparing students for college and career experiences that will allow them to contribute to society while enjoying a quality of life that suits their needs. Orange County has strong established partnerships, community support for education, increasing student achievement, and an ongoing commitment to the success of our students. We strive every day to provide the opportunity for our students to be prepared to meet the realities of the 21st century global economy. Working together, our educators, school board members, families, and community partners will continue Source: California Department of Education, Educational Demographics Unit to provide a world class education where every student succeeds. ORANGE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS ISSUE 2011–2012 3 Anaheim City School District Anaheim Union High School District 1001 S. East St., Anaheim, CA 92805 501 Crescent Way, Anaheim, CA 92803 714/517-7500 www.acsd.k12.ca.us 714/999-3511 www.auhsd.us Excellence With Fewer Resources Focused on Learning With Purpose Anaheim City School District has accepted the challenge Budgetary challenges are never far from anyone’s mind today of maintaining excellence with fewer instructional days, fewer in public education, but what shouldn’t get lost is the fact that staff members, and significant budget reductions. In spite of school life continued unabated, as vibrant and exciting as ever. these significant reductions, ACSD employees continue to Our teachers, parents, community, and staff are as dedicated provide a high-quality education to the 19,200 K-6 students in as ever and our students continue to impress us with their our 24 schools. academic prowess. It’s the successes and accomplishments of Over the past six years, student test scores have increased our 4,535 graduating seniors that we would like to highlight. 21% in language arts and 28% in math. ACSD schools also We are graduating the highest number in Orange County, regularly outperform other schools with similar demographics even without the support of summer school and the other Jose´ Banda Dr. Elizabeth Novack Superintendent in the similar schools ranking. In addition, District API scores Superintendent intervention opportunities that have vanished due to the state have increased by over 200 points since 1999, more than double budget crisis. Fully one-quarter of our seniors earned a place the state’s annual growth target. Our schools have been recognized as California on the honor roll at their high schools. A Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating Distinguished Schools and Title I Academic Achievement Award winners. proficiency in another language, other than English, is being awarded to 217 Innovative approaches in education are resulting in gains in English, science seniors at three campuses, and plans to expand this opportunity to all students and math. next year will be implemented. The District, with significant voter support at 65%, also passed Measure G Approximately 275 graduating students have completed one of our 58 Career in November 2010 to continue its very successful school construction program. Technical Education (career and college ready) pathways, which are designed to The $169 million bond measure will enable ACSD to modernize the final nine lead to meaningful post-secondary employment in 12 industries. schools in the District and relieve overcrowding in order to move the five In addition, 83 percent of our students will be attending two or four year remaining schools from a multi-track, year-round schedule to a traditional colleges, while 5 percent are enrolling in trade schools, and 3 percent are school calendar. entering military service. That means that 91 percent of our seniors are leaving Finally, we are proud of our talented teaching staff, with over 50 percent us with a post-secondary articulated plan. Additionally, to date, our seniors have holding a master’s degree or higher and several National Board Certified earned more than $15 million in scholarships. teachers. Anaheim City School District continues to provide excellence in We are proud of all our graduates and we continue to keep our focus on elementary education with fewer resources to benefit our students and learning with purpose. AUHSD students graduate with a plan, career and college community. ready. AAAA FamilyFamily DentalDental GroupGroup General & Specialty Care 18102 Irvine Blvd., Suite 205, Tustin, CA 92780 Phone: (714) 731-5656 • Fax: (714) 731-2607 www.aafamilydentalgroup.com Office Hours: Mon., Thurs.