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Additional detailed school-by-school information
Aggregate Information
In Depth, School-by-School Information
Sources and Definitions for expanded information
Elementary
K-8 Schools
Middle Schools
High Schools
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:
- All students in a school, or a grade within a school, compared to district averages for all students at that level or grade (all middle school students, or all high school seniors…)
- Black students in a school or grade compared to district averages for black students at that level or grade
- White students in a school or grade compared to district averages for white students at that level or grade
- Low-income students (eligible for free/reduced price lunch) in a school or grade compared to district averages for low-income students at that level or grade
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
Data compilation and analysis was performed by Dr. Carol S. Parke, assistant professor in Research Methodology at Duquesne University, School of Education and Patrick Dworakowski, assistant researcher. Indicators were selected by an A+ Schools' committee headed by Dr. Alan Lesgold, dean of the School of Education, University of Pittsburgh. Report written by Faith Schantz.
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