Officials at Durham Public Schools are cheering on many of their colleagues as new state test results show two-thirds of Durham schools met or exceeded expected academic growth, based on math scores, for the 2007-2008 school year.

According to DPS, the ‘ABC' ratings are based on end-of-grade and end-of-course test scores.

Officials say the scores come from standardized reading and math tests, which are given every year. The scores are applied to a formula that ultimately indicates achievement levels over the course of the year, according to DPS.

A school that makes expected growth has shown growth that would be reasonably expected over one year's time based on previous performance. A high growth school must have at least 60 percent of their students achieving the expected growth standard, according to DPS. Officials say the standards are set by state education leaders.

In Durham, 28 of 37 elementary and middle schools showed improved math scores for grades three through eight, according to DPS.

There were 15 elementary schools and one middle school reporting High Growth, and eight elementary schools and four middle schools reached ‘expected growth levels,' according to the school system.

DPS reports for high schools, Durham School of the Arts (grades 6-8), reported High Growth. Three high schools - Jordan, Riverside and Hillside New Tech reported Expected Growth.

"ABC scores tell the story about how Durham schools are growing," said DPS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Terri Mozingo.

Mozingo calls the ABC scores a valued report card for school growth. When asked about how ABC test scores relate to federal No Child Left Behind standards, Mozingo said the two tests were as different as "apples and oranges."

In Durham County, only eight of 46 schools hit their target for math standards this year based on No Child Left Behind standards. That analysis breaks down schools into 10 groups. The standards evaluate each group's proficiency in math and reading, among other factors, and schools only meet AYP when all of the 10 groups meet those standards.

"What we're really focusing on is that students within our system are growing, that they spend a year in school and they make growth," Mozingo said.

According to state guidelines, staff at schools that have met or surpassed growth expectations are eligible for a monetary bonus. The dollar amount, according to DPS, is specified by a set formula.

ABC testing looks more at overall growth.

Related Links

1. No Child Left Behind Testing Standards
2. ABC Testing Facts