How were each school’s “strengths” and “challenges” determined?We compared each school to district averages at the same level (elementary schools to elementary averages, and so on).
For elementary schools, there were 14 points of comparison; for K-8s, 24; for middle schools, 13; and for high schools, 25.
A school’s performance statistically above the district average in one category was labeled a strength, while its performance statistically below the district
average in another category was labeled a challenge. In a school where performance was above the district average for nearly all categories, performance only at
the average in a single category was considered a challenge. Likewise, average performance by a school that was below average in most categories was considered a
strength. (One exception: An above-average number of violent offenders was labeled a challenge, while a below-average number was labeled a strength.) Not every
strength and every challenge is included on the school reports. See the charts for a comprehensive list. For charts by grade level, go to the bottom
of this page.
Strengths/challenges statements on the school reports are intended to be interpreted within the context of each school. The same statement may be listed as a
strength for one school and a challenge for another. Although this component of the report is based on district averages, readers should not conclude that we are
endorsing average achievement. In the district’s high schools, for example, “average” is below any acceptable standard.
How to interpret comparisons that group students by race or family income
PSSA test results were compared in these ways:
When reading the school reports and the charts containing more complete information, keep in mind that these comparison groups hold even when the school’s population
is all one race, or all low-income. For example, a statement such as “High PSSA 5th grade reading scores for low-income students” in a school with 100% low-income
students is still a comparison of those students to district averages for low-income fifth graders, not to all fifth graders. Similarly, on the charts, symbols
that show a school’s performance for a subgroup of students (by race or family income status) are comparisons of that school’s subgroup to the same subgroup of
students district-wide.
Strengths and Challenges Charts by Grade Level
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