Santa Ana Schools Soar from ‘Program Improvement' to ‘Model Examples'
SANTA ANA, CA – November 2, 2009 – The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education recently recognized several elementary schools for their outstanding academic progress in meeting No Child Left Behind (NCLB) federal testing targets for the previous school year. Six elementary schools exited “Program Improvement” status including the following:
- Heninger Elementary
- Jackson Elementary
- King Elementary
- Martin Elementary
- Remington Elementary
- Washington Elementary
“What's remarkable about this achievement is that six of the schools which have exited the program countywide are located in Santa Ana,” said Superintendent Jane Russo. “This type of progress speaks to the drive and determination of not only our educators, but of our students as well to improve their learning and performance. We've had tremendous success across our school district, and I am extremely proud of what we've accomplished,” Russo said.
These schools have met their federal No Child Left Behind Act Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) targets for the past two years, despite pursuing a moving target that increases yearly. They represent six of nine countywide to exit “Program Improvement.”
Those elementary schools in “Safe Harbor” or on target to exit “Program Improvement” next year include: Edison, Esqueda, Harvey, Hoover, Lincoln, Monroe, Monte Vista, Romero-Cruz, Santiago and Walker.
In addition, the Board of Education honored King Elementary, John Muir Fundamental Elementary, Heninger Elementary and Wilson Elementary for meeting their federal Adequate Yearly Progress academic targets. Staff and principals representing the schools attended the meeting to share their strategies for success.
The staff of Romero-Cruz Elementary – the number one most improved school in Orange County – was acknowledged and congratulated for the school's outstanding achievement on its State gains on the Academic Performance Index (API). The school increased its 2008 API score of 673 to 759, an 86-point increase.
“If you look at how far we've come, it's an absolute success story,” said Michelle Le Patner, Director of Research and Evaluation. “Since the State's accountability system began in the late ‘90s, schools have improved from the 300s to the 700s and 800s. I have no doubt that we will soon reach the State's target of 800 Districtwide,” LePatner said.
Guided by the theme, “Failure is unacceptable, Success is the Standard. It's up to us all,” SAUSD continues to focus on progress in three major areas: English Language Development -- ensuring that students can read by grade 3, and attaining English proficiency by grades 4 and 5.
At the intermediate school level, reaching Algebra proficiency is a goal so that students at the high school level will be prepared to pass the California High School Exit Exam at the first administration in grade 10.
About SAUSD
Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) educates approximately 55,000 students at 63 dynamic school sites throughout the eclectic and vibrant Santa Ana community. The K-12 school district is the 6th largest school district in California, the largest in Orange County and the second largest employer in Santa Ana, with about 5,000 educators and staff members. Approximately 60% of SAUSD students are English learners, and 80% of SAUSD students participate in free or reduced-price meal programs. Contact us at 714-558-5555, or pioinfo@sausd.us. For more information about our schools, visit http://www.sausd.us/.
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