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Akron Public Schools
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Preliminary Ohio State Report Card Data: A Glimpse into Progress and Growth

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  • Superintendent

The preliminary data from the Ohio State Report Card has been released, offering an early look at how our district is performing across several key areas. The report card, which evaluates schools and districts on various educational metrics, is a tool for understanding where we stand and where we need to improve.

One of the most encouraging pieces of news is the increase in our Performance Index (PI), a composite measure that reflects the achievement levels of our students across all tested subjects. This year, our PI score has risen, thanks in large part to the steady improvement in proficiency across all of our schools. While we continue to hold steady at two stars in the overall Achievement category, the upward movement in proficiency in many areas is a positive sign that our efforts to boost academic performance are paying off.

Some of our efforts included:

  • Use of Newly-Adopted District Resources and Materials: We have strategically utilized newly-adopted educational resources and materials that are designed to align with state standards and support instruction.
  • Explicit Systematic Instruction: Our educators are focusing on explicit, systematic instruction to ensure that all students have a clear understanding of the foundational concepts necessary for academic success.
  • Tier I Rigorous Core Instruction Aligned to State Standards: By providing Tier I instruction that is rigorous and closely aligned with state standards, we are ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education in every classroom.
  • Professional Development and Collaboration with Teachers and Coaches: To build capacity and refine instructional practices, we have invested heavily in professional development and collaboration opportunities for teachers and instructional coaches.
  • High-Dosage Tutoring: We have implemented high-dosage tutoring programs that provide targeted support to students who need additional help, thereby accelerating their academic progress.

Another significant highlight is in the Gap Closing component, which measures how well schools are meeting performance expectations for vulnerable student groups, including English Learners (EL) and students facing chronic absenteeism. Our district’s rating in Gap Closing has moved from two to three stars, an achievement driven by successfully meeting indicators for both EL learners and reducing chronic absenteeism. This marks an important step forward in ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the support they need to succeed.

In the area of early literacy, our district has seen notable improvement as well. The early literacy rating has increased from one star to two stars, with our improving literacy indicator showing a 5% increase. This progress is particularly significant as early literacy is a foundational skill that impacts students' long-term academic success.

When it comes to graduation rates, our district continues to show strong performance. The four-year graduation rate stands at 87.7%, and the overall graduation component rating remains at two stars with an 88% rating. Additionally, while the College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness (CCWMR) component is not officially rated, our data indicates a score of 76.6%, a remarkable increase from 42.3% last year.

Board President Diana Autry remarked, "We are committed to building on this momentum and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Our focus remains on continuous improvement, and we are excited about the progress we've made so far."

As we await the final release of the report card, we are also keeping a close eye on the Progress component rating, which has yet to be finalized. The preliminary data gives us much to be proud of!

Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson expressed his pride in the district's accomplishments, stating, "The positive results we are seeing are due to a collective effort involving our teachers, administrators, support staff and every member of our school community. It is through this unified approach that we are able to make meaningful progress in the education and lives of our students."

The preliminary Ohio State Report Card data underscores the strides our district is making in several key areas. While there is always room for growth, the improvements we’ve seen this year are a testament to the hard work of our educators, students and community. We look forward to the final report and to continuing our efforts to provide the highest quality education for all our scholars.