A Guide for Ohio’s Report Card System, and State and Local Report Card data can be found on the Ohio Department of Education Web site at www.ode.state.oh.us/reportcard.
Posted 8/26/08
Higher Achievement for All Students
by Susan Tave Zelman, Superintendent of Public Instruction
Columbus – As I reflect upon my tenure as Superintendent of Public
Instruction,
I am proud of the tremendous results we have achieved in Ohio over the
past decade. It has been such a privilege to work alongside Ohio’s
teachers, principals, superintendents, school board members, policymakers,
families, students and the staff
at the Ohio Department of Education to help elevate our
education system to national prominence.
A Clear Picture of Progress
Ohio’s education system ranks 7th in the nation in Education
Week’s 2008 Quality Counts Report, moving up from the middle
of the pack in the 1990s. On the National Assessment of
Educational Progress, our students consistently perform better
than the national average in both 4th- and 8th-grade reading
and mathematics and in 8th-grade writing. A record number of Ohio students
took the ACT college entrance and placement exam in 2008, representing
65 percent of high school graduates.
Our average score is the 9th highest in the nation.
This state report card tells us that Ohio’s students continue
to
show progress on state indicators as well. Our Performance
Index has increased 25 percent since the measure was
introduced in 1999-2000. The statewide graduation rate has
increased from 79.8 percent in 1996-1997 to 86.9 percent in
the most recent year of data.
This year, 84.9 percent of districts and 69.8 percent of schools
are rated Effective or higher, with 74 districts and 158 schools
achieving the new Excellent with Distinction designation.
For the third consecutive year, I am proud that no districts
are in Academic Emergency.
We have improved our accountability system this year with the
inclusion of a value-added measure and growth model that
give credit for students’ academic progress over time. This
information gives us a clearer picture of where improvement is
occurring and where persistent challenges exist. More than
68 percent of school districts and 56 percent of schools met or exceeded
the expected gains on the value-added measure.
The growth model enabled an additional 249 districts and
1,028 schools to meet the federal Adequate Yearly Progress
requirement for all groups of students.
A 21st Century Education for All
As we celebrate our progress, we also recognize the significant
challenges ahead. Our stubborn battle with achievement gaps
has yet to be won.We have a 19-point gap in the graduation
rate between black and white students, and more than a
21-point difference in 3rd-grade reading scores between poor
and wealthier students. I know that Ohio will continue the fight
to ensure that all students in this state, regardless of their zip
code, income, race, disability or family background, receive the
high quality education they deserve.
Today’s complex world requires that all students graduate with
the knowledge and skills they need to collaborate and compete
with students in other communities, countries and continents.
We are focusing not only on the academic disciplines that our
children must master, but also on the 21st century skills of
critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, technological
literacy, cultural sensitivity, fluency in world languages, and
global awareness and understanding.
From our work together over the past several years, I know
that the education community understands these challenges.
We have benchmarked Ohio’s education system against the best
practices in the world. I know that you will continue to hold high
expectations for all students, serve the unique needs of each
child, improve teaching and learning with a rich and engaging
curriculum, and support the state in developing a new
generation of standards, assessments and accountability that
reflects the real-world knowledge and skills our students need
to thrive in this new millennium.
Thank you for the honor of serving as Ohio’s state superintendent.
I wish you the best as you continue to improve the state’s
education system and cultivate students who will build a better
humanity for generations to come.
Click below to download (PDF file)
2007-08 reports (posted 8/26/08)
District Report Card - Excellent with Distinction
Stow-Munroe Falls High School - Excellent
Kimpton Middle School - Excellent with Distinction
Lakeview Intermediate School - Excellent
Echo Hills Elementary School -Excellent
Fishcreek Elementary School - Excellent with Distinction
Highland Elementary School - Excellent
Indian Trail Elementary School - Excellent with Distinction
Riverview Elementary School - Excellent with Distinction
Woodland Elementary School - Excellent