I'm pleased to report that we're making strides in calculating our high school drop out rate.
In the past, it was estimated anywhere between 14 percent and 35 percent, with some reports as high as 50 percent.
The only thing we know for sure is that the dropout rate — whatever it was — was too high.
Now, thanks to statewide student identifiers, we've enhanced our ability to accurately count, track and help districts prevent dropouts.
For the first time, we're collecting information from LEAs (local educational agencies) about individual students who leave schools before graduation.
This system requires schools to use exit codes to report specific information when a student leaves a school before graduation. As a result, we will be able to track students who were considered a drop out but were later found attending another school. On the flip side, we will also have information about students who we thought had transferred to another California school, but in fact didn't show up.
The list of exit codes districts use to report this student specific data is available on the CDE (California Department of Education) Web site.
Using the student identifier system, we will receive a much clearer picture of why students are leaving school, allowing us to focus our attention where it is needed most.
As with any new system, we can expect some bumps in the road, especially at the beginning of the process.
For instance, the more accurate rate is going to be much higher than the rate that we have reported under NCLB (No Child Left Behind) because we previously only had access to aggregate numbers, rather than data based on student specific information.
We are aiming to release the information in early June. In the meantime, CDE is working with districts so they are fully prepared for the release using this new method of reporting.
I will keep you informed about when the final data is reported to us from local districts.
To find out more about this new method for calculating high school drop out rates, please visit: Dropout Guidelines for October 2007 CBEDS.
On the accountability front, we will be releasing the 2007 Base API (Academic Performance Index) scores, rankings, and growth targets on May 21.
These API scores reflect spring 2007 STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) and CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) testing and will be compared to the 2008 growth API that the Department will release in August.
The release of the 2007 Base API was delayed this year due to the incorporation of the California Modified Assessment (CMA) into the accountability system.
An adjustment was made to the 2007 Base API scores for schools with students in grades 3-5 who took the CMA in 2008.
The CMA was developed in response to No Child Left Behind (NCLB) regulations. It is an assessment based on modified achievement standards for our students with disabilities.
Before I conclude, I'd like to recognize Bill Padia, who is retiring, for his 33 years of state service with CDE — you were always an integral part of our team here. Thank you.
I'd also like to mention that I'm looking forward to working closely with Bill's successor, Deb Sigman.
Thank you.
