School Accountability Report Card

Reported for School Year 2008-09

Published During 2009-10

Rincon Valley Charter School

 

Executive Summary

School Accountability Report Card

2008-09

 

Address:  5305 Dupont Dr. , Santa Rosa   CA  95409-3843  Phone:  707-539-3410 
Principal:  Matt  Reno  Grade Span:  7 - 8 

This executive summary of the School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is intended to provide parents and community members with a quick snapshot of school accountability. The data presented in this report are reported for the 2008-09 school year, except the School Finances and School Completion data that are reported for the 2007-08 school year. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should review the entire SARC or contact the school principal or the district office. 

About Rincon Valley Charter

Rincon Valley Charter School (RVCS) is located in a beautiful setting within the St. Francis Acres area of Santa Rosa, California. Our charter school provides excellence in middle school education in a small, secure atmosphere where students hold themselves to high academic and personal standards.

Our Project Based-Learning environment bridges all areas of the curriculum that specifically target state standards. Our charter school is unique, as each of our 170 middle school students is equipped with an Apple Mac Book that connects our students to a global learning community. Our technology driven theme gives students the tools they will need to become leaders and productive citizens in the 21st century.

Our experienced and dedicated staff is accessible and approachable. We believe when home and school communicate effectively, student success rates rapidly rise. RVCS students are on a constant growth trajectory filled with innovation, challenge, and recognition.

In addition to our vibrant core subject content areas, RVCS students can participate in an award-winning band elective. Fine Arts, Championship Athletics, and elective course offerings provide students the opportunity to shine in multiple environments. This was formally highlighted with a 2007 California Distinguished School Award.

Student Enrollment 

Group  Percent 
African American  5.42 % 
American Indian or Alaska Native  2.41 % 
Asian  5.42 % 
Filipino  1.81 % 
Hispanic or Latino  10.84 % 
Pacific Islander  0.60 % 
White (not Hispanic)  73.49 % 
Multiple or No Response  % 
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged  23.00 % 
English Learners  2.00 % 
Students with Disabilities  12.00 % 
Total Number of Students  166 

Teachers 

Indicator  Teachers 
Teachers with full credential 
9 
Teachers without full credential 
0 
Teachers Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence 
0
Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners 
0
Total Teacher Misassignments  
0

Student Performance 

Subject  Students Proficient and Above on California Standards Tests 
English-Language Arts 
67 
Mathematics 
48 
Science 
75 
History-Social Science 
52 

Academic Progress 

Indicator  Result 
2009 Growth API Score (from 2009 Growth API Report) 
825  
Statewide Rank (from 2008 Base API Report) 
9  
2009-10 Program Improvement Status (PI Year) 
NA

School Facilities 

Summary of Most Recent Site Inspection 

A thorough inspection of the facility was completed in March, 2010. All elements were found to be in good condition and no repairs are currently needed.

Curriculum and Instructional Materials 

Core Curriculum Areas  Pupils Who Lack Textbooks and Instructional Materials 
Reading/Language Arts 
0%
Mathematics 
Science 
History-Social Science 
Health 

School Finances 

Level  Expenditures Per Pupil (Unrestricted Sources Only) 
School Site 
$ LEA Provided
District 
$ LEA Provided
State 
 $5,512

NAEP Reading, Grade 8 

Level  Result 
Average Scale Score - State  251 
Average Scale Score - National  261 
Achievement Level - Basic   41%
Achievement Level - Proficient   20%
Achievement Level - Advanced   2%

NAEP Mathematics, Grade 8 

Level  Result 
Average Scale Score - State  270 
Average Scale Score - National  282 
Achievement Level - Basic   36%
Achievement Level - Proficient   18%
Achievement Level - Advanced   5%

School Accountability Report Card

Reported for School Year 2008-09

Published During 2009-10

The School Accountability Report Card (SARC), which is required by law to be published annually, contains information about the condition and performance of each California public school. More information about SARC requirements is available on the California Department of Education (CDE) SARC Web page. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should contact the school principal or the district office.

I. Data and Access 

DataQuest 

DataQuest is an online data tool located on the CDE DataQuest Web page that contains additional information about this school and comparisons of the school to the district, the county, and the state. Specifically, DataQuest is a dynamic system that provides reports for accountability (e.g., Academic Performance Index [API], Adequate Yearly Progress [AYP]), test data, enrollment, graduates, dropouts, course enrollments, staffing, and data regarding English learners). 

Internet Access 

Internet access is available at public libraries and other locations that are publicly accessible (e.g., the California State Library). Access to the Internet at libraries and public locations is generally provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Other use restrictions include the hours of operation, the length of time that a workstation may be used (depending on availability), the types of software programs available on a workstation, and the ability to print documents.  

II. About Rincon Valley Charter

Contact Information (School Year 2009-10) 

School  District 
School Name  Rincon Valley Charter   District Name  Rincon Valley Union Elementary  
Street  5305 Dupont Dr.   Phone Number  707-542-7375 
City, State, Zip  Santa Rosa  , CA  95409-3843  Web Site  www.rvusd.org 
Phone Number  707-539-3410  Superintendent  Diane  Moresi 
Principal  Matt  Reno  E-mail Address  dmoresi@rvusd.org 
E-mail Address  mreno@rvusd.org  CDS Code 49- 70896- 0102525 

School Description and Mission Statement (School Year 2008-09) 

Rincon Valley Charter School (RVCS) is located in a beautiful setting within the St. Francis Acres area of Santa Rosa, California. Our charter school provides excellence in middle school education in a small, secure atmosphere where students hold themselves to high academic and personal standards.

Our Project Based-Learning environment bridges all areas of the curriculum that specifically target state standards. Our charter school is unique, as each of our 170 middle school students is equipped with an Apple Mac Book that connects our students to a global learning community. Our technology driven theme gives students the tools they will need to become leaders and productive citizens in the 21st century.

Our experienced and dedicated staff is accessible and approachable. We believe when home and school communicate effectively, student success rates rapidly rise. RVCS students are on a constant growth trajectory filled with innovation, challenge, and recognition.

In addition to our vibrant core subject content areas, RVCS students can participate in an award-winning band elective. Fine Arts, Championship Athletics, and elective course offerings provide students the opportunity to shine in multiple environments. This was formally highlighted with a 2007 California Distinguished School Award.

Opportunities for Parental Involvement (School Year 2008-09) 

There are many opportunities for parent involvement at the Rincon Valley Charter School. For information, call Matt Reno at (707) 539-3410.

Student Enrollment by Grade Level (School Year 2008-09) 

Grade Level  Number of Students 
Grade 7 
85 
Grade 8 
81 
Total Enrollment 
166 

Student Enrollment by Group (School Year 2008-09) 

Group  Percent of Total Enrollment 
African American 
5.42 % 
American Indian or Alaska Native 
2.41 % 
Asian 
5.42 % 
Filipino 
1.81 % 
Hispanic or Latino 
10.84 % 
Pacific Islander 
0.60 % 
White (not Hispanic) 
73.49 % 
Multiple or No Response 
% 
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged 
23.00 % 
English Learners 
2.00 % 
Students with Disabilities 
12.00 % 

Average Class Size and Class Size Distribution (Secondary) 

This table displays by subject area the average class size and the number of classrooms that fall into each size category (a range of total students per classroom). 
Subject  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
Avg. Class Size  Number of Classrooms  Avg. Class Size  Number of Classrooms  Avg. Class Size  Number of Classrooms 
1-22  23-32  33+  1-22  23-32  33+  1-22  23-32  33+ 
English  24.0  2  5  1  24.9  2  6    25.3  2  6   
Mathematics  26.7  1  4  1  28.0    6    27.7    6   
Science  26.7  1  4  1  28.0    6    26.3  1  6   
Social Science  26.3  1  4  1  28.0    6    27.7    6   

III. School Climate 

School Safety Plan (School Year 2008-09) 

The School Safety Plans are updated annually, and the last review was in the spring of 2009. The key elements of the plan include, (1) the School Mission, (2) a description of the School Climate, (3) a description of a Safe and Orderly Environment, and (4) the district’s SB 187-EC3529.4 Board Policies. Each of these areas is spelled out in detail in the plans. The plans are comprehensive and include both the legal requirements and the benefits of safety planning.  

Suspensions and Expulsions 

This table displays the rate of suspensions and expulsions (the total number of incidents divided by the total enrollment) at the school and district levels for the most recent three-year period. 

Rate  School  District 
2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
Suspensions 
16
14 
20
3.4  
2.9  
2.9  
Expulsions 
0
0  
0
0
0
0

IV. School Facilities 

School Facility Conditions and Planned Improvements (School Year 2009-10) 

This section provides information about the condition of the school’s grounds, buildings, and restrooms, and a description of any planned or recently completed facility improvements. 

The district takes great efforts to ensure that all schools are clean, safe, and functional.

During the 2004-05 school year, local bond funds, Measure D, and state matching funds were used to modernize all schools with the exception of Austin Creek, which is seven years old. and Village School, which was modernized in the late 1980’s. Village School, which was modernized in the late 1980’s, received modernization of their multi-use facility and administrative wing.

All classrooms in the other five schools received new wall surfaces, paint, lighting, cabinetry, heating systems, upgraded electrical systems, window coverings, flooring, and marker boards. Each multi-use facility was also completely modernized. State of the art library media centers and kindergarten complexes were built, and the administrative wing of each school was modernized to include small classrooms for special student programs, a staff room, office, and conference rooms.

District maintenance staff ensures that the preventative measures and repairs necessary to keep the school in good repair and working order are completed in a timely manner. A work order process is used to ensure efficient service and that emergency repairs and safety are given the highest priority.

Cleaning: Cleaning standards have been adopted for all schools in the district. On a regular basis, the Maintenance and Operations supervisor meets with the custodial staff and often visits sites to ensure the cleaning standards are being upheld. In addition, the principal communicates daily with the custodial staff to ensure a clean and safe school.

Deferred Maintenance: The district participates in the State School Deferred Maintenance Program, which provides state matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis, to assist school districts with expenditures for major repair or replacement of existing school building components. Typically, this includes roofing, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical systems, interior or exterior painting, and floor systems. For the 2009-10 school year, the district budgeted expenditures are $70,000 for the deferred maintenance program. Revenues for this fund are $96,722.

School Facility Good Repair Status (School Year 2009-10) 

This table displays the results of the March 2010 school site inspection.

System Inspected  Repair Status  Repair Needed and Action Taken or Planned 
Exemplary  Good  Fair  Poor 
Systems: Gas Leaks, Mechanical/HVAC, Sewer  N/A
X
   
None needed
Interior: Interior Surfaces  N/A
X
   
None needed
Cleanliness: Overall Cleanliness, Pest/ Vermin Infestation  N/A
X
   
None needed
Electrical: Electrical  N/A
X
   
None needed
Restrooms/Fountains: Restrooms, Sinks/ Fountains  N/A
X
   
None needed
Safety: Fire Safety, Hazardous Materials  N/A
X
   
None needed
Structural: Structural Damage, Roofs  N/A
X
   
None needed
External: Playground/School Grounds, Windows/ Doors/Gates/Fences  N/A
X
   
None needed
Overall Rating 
Exemplary
N/A

V. Teachers 

Teacher Credentials 

This table displays the number of teachers assigned to the school with a full credential, without a full credential, and those teaching outside of their subject area of competence. Detailed information about teacher qualifications can be found on the CDE DataQuest Web page. 

Teachers  School  District 
2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2008-09 
With Full Credential 
8 
8 
9 
172 
Without Full Credential 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence 
0
0
0
N/A 

Teacher Misassignments and Vacant Teacher Positions 

This table displays the number of teacher misassignments (teachers assigned without proper legal authorization) and the number of vacant teacher positions (not filled by a single designated teacher assigned to teach the entire course at the beginning of the school year or semester). Note: Total Teacher Misassignments includes the number of Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners. 

Indicator  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners  
0
0
0
Total Teacher Misassignments  
0
0
0
Vacant Teacher Positions 
0
0
0

Core Academic Classes Taught by No Child Left Behind Compliant Teachers (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays the percent of classes in core academic subjects taught by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) compliant and non-NCLB compliant teachers in the school, in all schools in the district, in high-poverty schools in the district, and in low-poverty schools in the district. High poverty schools are defined as those schools with student participation of approximately 75 percent or more in the free and reduced price meals program. Low poverty schools are those with student participation of approximately 25 percent or less in the free and reduced price meals program. More information on teacher qualifications required under NCLB can be found on the CDE Improving Teacher and Principal Quality Web page. 

Location of Classes  Percent of Classes In Core Academic Subjects 
Taught by NCLB Compliant Teachers  Taught by Non-NCLB Compliant Teachers 
This School  
95.2 
4.8 
All Schools in District  
96.2 
3.8 
High-Poverty Schools in District 
  0
  0
Low-Poverty Schools in District 
97.1 
2.9 

VI. Support Staff 

Academic Counselors and Other Support Staff (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays, in units of full-time equivalents (FTE), the number of academic counselors and other support staff who are assigned to the school and the average number of students per academic counselor. One FTE equals one staff member working full time; one FTE could also represent two staff members who each work 50 percent of full time. 

Title  Number of FTE Assigned to School  Average Number of Students per Academic Counselor 
Academic Counselor 
  0
  0
Library Media Teacher (Librarian) 
  0
NA
Library Clerk
0
NA
Psychologist
  0.266 FTE
NA
Social Worker
NA
Nurse
  0.177 FTE
NA
Speech and Language
  0.483 FTE
NA
Science Facilitator
0
 NA
Computer Tech
0
NA
RSP Assistant (Non-teaching)
0
NA
Other Paraeducators
0
NA

VII. Curriculum and Instructional Materials 

Quality, Currency, Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials (School Year 2009-10) 

This table displays information about the quality, currency, and availability of the standards-aligned textbooks and other instructional materials used at the school, and information about the school’s use of any supplemental curriculum or non-adopted textbooks or instructional materials. 

Core Curriculum Area  Quality, Currency, and Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials  Percent of Pupils Who Lack Their Own Assigned Textbooks and Instructional Materials 
Reading/Language Arts 

As of February 2010, sufficient textbooks were available for each student in all core curriculum areas. 

The district follows the state guidelines for purchasing approved textbooks. 

0%
Mathematics 
Science 
History-Social Science 
Foreign Language 
Health 
Visual and Performing Arts 

VIII. School Finances 

Expenditures Per Pupil and School Site Teacher Salaries (Fiscal Year 2007-08)  

This table displays a comparison of the school’s per pupil expenditures from unrestricted (basic) sources with other schools in the district and throughout the state, and a comparison of the average teacher salary at the school site with average teacher salaries at the district and state levels. Detailed information regarding school expenditures can be found on the CDE Current Expense of Education & Per-pupil Spending Web page and teacher salaries can be found on the CDE Certificated Salaries & Benefits Web page. 

Level  Total Expenditures Per Pupil  Expenditures Per Pupil (Supplemental / Restricted)  Expenditures Per Pupil (Basic / Unrestricted)  Average Teacher Salary 
School Site  LEA Provided LEA Provided LEA Provided LEA Provided
District  N/A  N/A  LEA Provided $59,871 
Percent Difference – School Site and District  N/A  N/A  LEA Provided LEA Provided
State  N/A  N/A  $5,512  $63,421 
Percent Difference – School Site and State  N/A  N/A  LEA Provided LEA Provided

Types of Services Funded (Fiscal Year 2008-09) 

This section provides information about the programs and supplemental services that are available at the school and funded through either categorical or other sources. 

Funds are used for teaching and support staffs, books and materials, special education, transportation, food services, maintenance and operations, after-school programs and childcare.

Teacher and Administrative Salaries (Fiscal Year 2007-08)

This table displays district salaries for teachers, principals, and superintendents, and compares these figures to the state averages for districts of the same type and size. The table also displays teacher and administrative salaries as a percent of a district's budget, and compares these figures to the state averages for districts of the same type and size based on the salary schedule. Detailed information regarding salaries may be found on the CDE Certificated Salaries & Benefits Web page.

Category District Amount State Average For Districts In Same Category
Beginning Teacher Salary
$43,140
$41,031 
Mid-Range Teacher Salary
$59,102 
$63,366 
Highest Teacher Salary
$75,564 
$80,596 
Average Principal Salary (Elementary)
$104,452 
$100,937 
Superintendent Salary
$146,635 
$147,438 
Percent of Budget for Teacher Salaries
39.80 % 
40.60 % 
Percent of Budget for Administrative Salaries
6.20 % 
6.10 % 

IX. Student Performance 

Standardized Testing and Reporting Program  

The Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program consists of several key components, including the California Standards Tests (CSTs); the California Modified Assessment (CMA), and the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA). The CSTs show how well students are doing in relation to the state content standards. The CSTs include English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades two through eleven; science in grades five, eight, and nine through eleven; and history-social science in grades eight, and ten through eleven. The CAPA includes ELA, mathematics, and science in grades two through eleven, and for science for grades five, eight, and ten. The CAPA is given to those students with significant cognitive disabilities whose disabilities prevent them from taking either the CSTs with accommodations or modifications or the CMA with accommodations. The CMA includes ELA and mathematics for grades three through eight and science in grade five and is an alternate assessment that is based on modifiedachievement standards. The CMA is designed to assess those students whose disabilities preclude them from achieving grade-level proficiency on an assessment of the California content standards with or without accommodations. Student scores are reported as performance levels. Detailed information regarding the STAR Program results for each grade and performance level, including the percent of students not tested, can be found on the CDE Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Results Web site. Program information regarding the STAR Program can be found in the Explaining 2008 STAR Program Summary Results to the Public guide. Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is ten or less, either because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or to protect student privacy. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student. 

Standardized Testing and Reporting Results for All Students – Three-Year Comparison 

This table displays the percent of students achieving at the Proficient or Advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standards). 

Subject  School  District  State 
2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
English-Language Arts 
71 
69 
67 
69 
69 
72 
43 
46 
50 
Mathematics 
49 
48 
48 
72 
73 
76 
40 
43 
46 
Science 
51 
83 
75 
62 
74 
72 
38 
46 
50 
History-Social Science 
46 
56 
52 
46 
56 
52 
33 
36 
41 

Standardized Testing and Reporting Results by Student Group (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays the percent of students, by group, achieving at the Proficient or Advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standards) for the most recent testing period. 

Group  Percent of Students Scoring at Proficient or Advanced 
English-Language Arts  Mathematics  Science  History-Social Science 
African American 
* 
* 
* 
* 
American Indian or Alaska Native 
* 
* 
* 
* 
Asian 
* 
* 
* 
* 
Filipino 
* 
* 
 
 
Hispanic or Latino 
50 
56 
* 
* 
Pacific Islander 
* 
* 
 
 
White (not Hispanic) 
69 
45 
76 
53 
Male 
67 
49 
82 
64 
Female 
68 
47 
66 
37 
Economically Disadvantaged 
53 
24 
86 
41 
English Learners 
* 
* 
* 
* 
Students with Disabilities 
25 
25 
* 
* 
Students Receiving Migrant Education Services 
 
 
 
 

Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.

California Physical Fitness Test Results (School Year 2008-09) 

The California Physical Fitness Test is administered to students in grades five, seven, and nine only. This table displays by grade level the percent of students meeting fitness standards for the most recent testing period. Detailed information regarding this test, and comparisons of a school’s test results to the district and state levels, may be found on the CDE Physical Fitness Testing (PFT) Web page. Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is ten or less because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.  

Grade Level  Percent of Students Meeting Healthy Fitness Zones 
Four of Six Standards  Five of Six Standards  Six of Six Standards 
7 
18.1 
27.7 
41.0 

X. Accountability 

Academic Performance Index 

The Academic Performance Index (API) is an annual measure of the academic performance and progress of schools in California. API scores range from 200 to 1,000, with a statewide target of 800. Detailed information about the API can be found on the CDE Academic Performance Index (API) Web page. 

Academic Performance Index Ranks – Three-Year Comparison 

This table displays the school’s statewide and similar schools API ranks. The statewide API rank ranges from one to ten. A statewide rank of one means that the school has an API score in the lowest ten percent of all schools in the state, while a statewide rank of ten means that the school has an API score in the highest ten percent of all schools in the state. The similar schools API rank reflects how a school compares to 100 statistically matched “similar schools.” A similar schools rank of one means that the school’s academic performance is comparable to the lowest performing ten schools of the 100 similar schools, while a similar schools rank of ten means that the school’s academic performance is better than at least 90 of the 100 similar schools. 

API Rank  2006  2007  2008 
Statewide 
9  
9  
9  
Similar Schools 
9  
6  
7  

Academic Performance Index Growth by Student Group – Three-Year Comparison 

This table displays, by student group, the actual API changes in points added or lost for the past three years, and the most recent API score. Note: "N/A" means that the student group is not numerically significant. 

Group  Actual API Change  Growth API Score 
2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009 
All Students at the School  8   21   -19   825  
African American         
American Indian or Alaska Native         
Asian         
Filipino         
Hispanic or Latino         
Pacific Islander         
White (not Hispanic)  8   20   -36   827  
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged         
English Learners         
Students with Disabilities         

Adequate Yearly Progress 

The federal NCLB Act requires that all schools and districts meet the following Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) criteria: 

  • Participation rate on the state’s standards-based assessments in ELA and mathematics
  • Percent proficient on the state’s standards-based assessments in ELA and mathematics
  • API as an additional indicator
  • Graduation rate (for secondary schools)

Detailed information about AYP, including participation rates and percent proficient results by student group, can be found on the CDE Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Web page. 

Adequate Yearly Progress Overall and by Criteria (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays an indication of whether the school and the district made AYP overall and whether the school and the district met each of the AYP criteria.  

AYP Criteria  School  District 
Overall 
Yes  
Yes  
Participation Rate - English-Language Arts 
Yes  
Yes  
Participation Rate - Mathematics 
Yes  
Yes  
Percent Proficient - English-Language Arts 
Yes  
Yes  
Percent Proficient - Mathematics 
Yes  
Yes  
API 
Yes  
Yes  
"Yes" Met 2009 AYP Criteria
"No" Did not Meet 2009 AYP Criteria

Federal Intervention Program (School Year 2009-10)

Schools and districts receiving federal Title I funding enter Program Improvement (PI) if they do not make AYP for two consecutive years in the same content area (ELA or mathematics) or on the same indicator (API or graduation rate). After entering PI, schools and districts advance to the next level of intervention with each additional year that they do not make AYP. Detailed information about PI identification can be found on the CDE Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Web page. 

Indicator  School  District 
Program Improvement Status 
 
Not In PI  
Number of Schools Currently in Program Improvement 
N/A 
N/A 
Percent of Schools Currently in Program Improvement 
N/A 
 N/A 

XI. Instructional Planning and Scheduling  

Professional Development 

Professional development opportunities are directly correlated to the 2007/2010 District’s Goals. To ensure that the professional needs of our staff are being met on a regular basis we offer for our teachers: three full-days of annual inservice, workshops on the first Wednesday of each month, workshops and training at the Sonoma County Office of Education, and opportunities to take course work via the UC, CSU, and community college systems. The results of the professional development is directly reflected by our high level of student achievement.

XII. National Assessment of Educational Progress 

National Assessment of Educational Progress 

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a nationally representative assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. Assessments are conducted periodically in mathematics, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, and U.S. history. Student scores for reading and mathematics are reported as performance levels (i.e., basic, proficient, and advanced) and the participation of students with disabilities and English language learners is reported based on three levels (identified, excluded, and assessed). Detailed information regarding the NAEP results for each grade, performance level, and participation rate can be found on the National Assessment of Educational Progress Web page (Outside Source). 

Note: Only a sample group of California's schools and districts participate in the NAEP testing cycle. Therefore, students in any particular school or district may not be included in these results. The NAEP reflects state test results and is not reflective of either the LEA or the individual school. Comparisons of student performance on the NAEP and student performance on the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program assessments cannot be made without an understanding of the key differences between the two assessment programs. For example, the NAEP only assesses grades four, eight and twelve and for long-term trends assesses grades nine, thirteen, and seventeen. Additionally, the NAEP only provides state test results for grades four and eight. The California Standards Tests (CSTs) are based on a different set of standards than the NAEP assessments. For example, the NAEP is not aligned with California academic content and achievement standards and, therefore, does not necessarily reflect the curriculum and instruction to which students are exposed in the classroom. The NAEP assesses reading and writing separately, while the CSTs assess English-language arts (ELA), encompassing reading as well as writing conventions, spelling, and grammar. Scores on the CSTs and other assessments are not directly comparable to those on NAEP. The averages and percentages presented are estimates based on samples of students rather than on entire populations. Finally, the questions students respond to are only a sample of the knowledge and skills covered by the NAEP frameworks. Information on the differences between NAEP and CST can be found on the CDE National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Web page. 

National Assessment of Educational Progress Reading and Mathematics Results by Grade Level – Aggregated 

This table displays the scale scores and achievement levels on the National Assessment of Educational Progress Results for reading (2007) and mathematics (2009).

Subject and Grade Level  Average Scale Score  State Percent at Achievement Level 
State  National  Basic  Proficient  Advanced 
Reading 2007, Grade 8  251  261  41  20  2 
Mathematics 2009, Grade 8  270  282  36  18  5 

National Assessment of Educational Progress Reading and Mathematics Results for Students with Disabilities and/or English Language Learners by Grade Level – Aggregated 

This table displays the state and national participation rates on the National Assessment of Educational Progress for reading (2007) and mathematics (2009) for students with disabilities and/or English language learners. 

Subject and Grade Level  State Participation Rate  National Participation Rate 
Students With Disabilities  English Language Learners  Students With Disabilities  English Language Learners 
Reading 2007, Grade 8  78  92  66  77 
Mathematics 2009, Grade 8  85  96  78  92