The report cards only contain a handful of normal data points as the spring 2020 state tests in English, math, science and social studies were canceled after mid-March coronavirus-related school closures.
Superintendent Kraig Hissong said although it is hard to compare this year’s report card to last year’s, they still seem to be on track based on the data received.
“I believe it is difficult to compare the report cards since so much of the data was impacted by the lack of data due to COVID-19,” Hissong said. “Percentages seem on track with how we have been performing.”
West Liberty-Salem had a four-year graduation rate of 97.5%, close to last year’s 97.7%, and a five-year graduation rate of 97.7%, according to state report card data.
The state report card’s four-year graduation rate data applies to students in the class of 2019 who entered ninth grade in the fall of 2015 and graduated by the summer of 2019. The five-year graduation rate data applies to students in the class of 2018 who entered the ninth grade in the fall of 2014 and graduated by the summer of 2019.
When it comes to the prepared for success component, which is how well-prepared students are for future opportunities, West Liberty-Salem scored a 49.8%. This includes ACT and SAT participation, dual enrollment credit and honors diploma.
Hissong said he believes the percentages are accurate, but may not provide the full story.
“The biggest concern I have is the prepared for success percentages. I feel this information does not provide a true reflection on the success our graduates actually have after high school and that the data is limited to very few actual data points that smaller districts have difficulty in meeting and too much emphasis may be given to the data points in which the state has indicated,” he said. “This causes this and other areas of the report card to lose value and relevance to school districts.”
According to state report card data, 66 students earned a remediation free score on all parts of the ACT or SAT, earned an honors diploma, and/or earned an industry-recognized credential.
This includes that 95.8% of students took the ACT, 37.7% of students earned a remediation free score, 19.8% received an honors diploma, 3% received industry-recognized credential and 59.3% participated in earning three or more dual enrollment college credits.
According to state report card data, 66.3% of the 2017 graduating class entered college within two years and 41.5% of the 2013 graduating class graduated from college within six years of leaving high school.
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