State College Area School District students outperformed state and national averages on assessment tests in 2015-16.
In a report to the school board of directors on Monday night, district staff said State College Area High School SAT scores ranked 24th out of 650 in the state. Students in Advanced Placement classes scored a 3 or higher (out of a possible high score of 5) at a rate of 88 percent, besting the state rate of 68 percent.
Keystone exam results for algebra, biology and literature showed growth in the three-year average, with historically underperforming students showing the most growth, Assistant Superintendent Jason Perrin.
For grades 2-6, 68 percent of district students met or exceeded one year growth in math, ahead of the national rate of 50 percent. In grades 3-6, 56 percent of students met or exceeded one-year growth in read, better than the national average of 50 percent.
In grades 3-8, PSSA scores were above the state average by 15 to 25 percent. District students also met or exceeded the Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System growth standard for reading in grades 4-8 and math in grades 6-8.
Perrin said the district is planning measures to continue progress.
2017-18 Calendar
The board also approved the calendar for the 2017-18 school year, which will include a two-week winter break. Because of the extended break, the calendar does not have any built-in snow days, and snow days will be made up at the end of the year. The last day of classes is is scheduled for June 11, 2018. Commencement is scheduled for June 9.
The extended winter break is needed for the high school construction project. Classrooms from the north and south buildings will be moved into the new, three-story units on the south campus during that time. Schools will be closed from Dec. 23 through Jan. 7 with students returning on Jan. 8.
The first day of school for the 2017-18 year is Aug. 28. Spring break will be March 5-9, with no school on March 2, as well, for a ‘records day,’ during which teachers and staff do planning and attend workshops.
