Friday, September 26, 2008

California ranked 40th in nation on likelihood students will find success

By MERRILL BALASSONE
mbalassone@modbee.com

last updated: January 10, 2008 11:10:41 AM

From preschool to the work force, it is more difficult for students to succeed in California than most places in the nation, according to an education report released Wednesday.

The state ranked 40th based on the likelihood students will thrive in school and have successful adult lives, according to Education Week newspaper's annual Quality Counts report.

It ranks high, however, when comparing students in Advanced Placement programs.

Children who live in poverty, whose parents are not fluent in English or do not have a college degree were among the factors that weaken a California child's chance for success, according to the report.

The state ranks 38th in the nation for academic achievement.

California fourth-graders ranked 48th in the nation based on their scores on a national reading test called the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Only 23 percent of California fourth-graders were proficient in reading, compared with 32 percent nationwide.

Those students also fell behind the national average in math, with less than 30 percent testing proficient, compared with a 39 percent U.S. average.

California's ranking in school spending also was dismal. The state spent slightly more than $7,000 per student in 2005, while the United States on average spent nearly $9,000 per student.

"If California is to lead in the global economy, we simply must plan now for increased investments in our public school students," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell. "It is unacceptable that a mere 3 percent of California's students attend schools in districts where per-pupil expenditures are at or above the national average."

Teachers paid better

But a new facet of this year's report found a couple pieces of good news: California pays its teachers more fairly than most U.S. states.

The report shows that California teacher salaries are on par with pay in 16 comparable occupations, including registered nurses, computer programmers, architects and accountants. Teachers nationwide make 88 cents for every dollar earned in those jobs.

And results on high school Advanced Placement tests put California among the nation's best.

California ranks fourth in the nation based on the percentage of students earning high grades on the college-level tests.

"It's encouraging to see California's efforts at establishing high academic standards recognized as among those rated top in the nation," said Tom Changnon, Stanislaus County's superintendent of schools. "Not surprisingly, the data show we're doing a great job with our high achieving students.

"At the same time, closing the academic achievement gap must remain a high priority in California, especially for our English language learners."

Downey High School last year had the highest AP exam pass rate among four complete AP programs in Modesto City Schools, at just over 64 percent of test-takers.

The school also upped the number of college-level exams taken by students by 23 percent over six years.

"I want more students in AP, that's my focus," said Deanne Lowe, Downey's associate principal in charge of curriculum.

Lowe said taking more rigorous classes in high school will give students the greatest benefit in future college courses, even if they earn a lower grade in an AP class than they would in a basic course.

"Getting a 'C' in AP is better than getting an 'A' in an easier course," Lowe said. "That's a difficult message to sell."

To comment, click on the link with this story at www.modbee.com. Bee staff writer Merrill Balassone can be reached at mbalassone@modbee.com or 578-2337.

• Comments
• Add Comment
• Disclaimer