Understanding school rankings...
School rankings by Regent exam indicates the amount of information a student absorbed by the end of a given year. It is used throughout New York State as a measurement tool.
School rankings by SAT score show how well the student has absorbed information for this particular college entrance exam. Many colleges use SAT as one of a handful of screening criteria. The SAT is administered across the nation and compared students from a wider sampling then just NYS students. Think of it as high school graduate's cumulative knowledge as compared to a "per grade" Regents exam.
School rank by Advanced Placement shows how well a student absorbed freshman college work. It also qualifies for college credit if a student gets over a certain score.
If a school has a low Regent but high SAT and AP score, it then can be interpreted as the students choosing (or encouraged) to study for the SAT and AP over getting high scores on their Regents since it will be the SAT & AP that lead to college placement and credit.
Then there is the alternative factor where a high school does not follow the typical standards of measurement. e.g. "School of the Performing Arts", "School of Technology" or Waldorf methods. Then the focus is different and the colleges take this into consideration, often looking towards interviews, portfolios and projects as a measure of the student's ability. Many colleges keep spots open for alternatively educated students in order to round out and diversify.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, December 4, 2009
School Rank by SAT Scores - 2008
First I would like to state my position, I do not think that standardized tests are the only way to rank schools. To take it further, I do not think lower schools should even have standardized tests.
However, I can understand and appreciate why high schools do test. Which brings me to the results of many months of research. Some schools are difficult to compare simply because they are Regents exempt. Therefore, they do not make Buffalo's School Ranking in Business First paper. This is why I took the time to do this.
I looked at the school ranking for Western NY. Then took the top 20, plus the Regent exempt schools for a comparison. I found the SAT scores for the year 2008. I put each school's Mean Reading and Math SAT score into a spreadsheet and sorted them by score. (I also have three year averages for some of the schools.) Here are the SAT scores.
1. Nardin
2. Nichols
3. City Honors
4. Canisius
5. Park Schools of Buffalo
6. Williamsville East
7. Buffalo Seminary
8. Mount St. Mary's
9. Clearance SHS
Nardin and Nichols were very close, less then a five points difference. Canisius and City Honors were only 10 points apart. Park Schools, Williamsville East and Buffalo Seminary had a tight grouping. To me when scrutinizing between two schools, if there is only 5, 10, 20 points between them I consider them "test taking equals".
From what I can tell, there is little difference between Nardin and Nichols' ability to perform on the SAT, whether you pull their three part or two part combined SAT scores. Their mean SAT scores were greater then 1800 and their two part combined reading & math were greater then 1200. I would think, that from year to year, they would flip back and forth between first and second place. Though, I would like to point out that between the top four spots there is only 22 points. With a little more work on reading (and writing for a three part SAT score) City honors could take on second place. They did well in Math. If it were based on Math, City honors wold be second place for 2008. Whereas Nardin has a very strong lead in Reading (and writing), first place by several points over all.
From City Honors on down to Buffalo Sem all schools scored greater then 1150 (1150 > 1200) on their two part combined reading and math. There is a 50 point drop to Mount St. Mary's and Clearance who hovered around 1100.
Why did this feel like I was at the horse races?
From the top score to ninth place there were 122 points. The reading and math scores are out of 1600 (two parts, 800 points each).
SAT scores are not weighted as are Regents exams. This may be part of the reason that Regents are use rather then SAT in school rankings. Note that Nichols, Canisius and Park Schools are Regents exempt. I did this little study because I want to understand how the Regents exempt schools fit into the academic picture, weighted or not.
Something I found interesting was the type of schools that ended up in the top tier for standardized tests. The top four of five schools are in the City of Buffalo's limits; Nardin (1st), Nichols (2nd), City Honors (3rd), Canisius (4th). The Park Schools of Buffalo (5th) use to be located in the city a long time ago. Three of the top five schools are progressive/magnet - "alternative learning methods" - Nardin has a Montessori (1st), City Honors (3rd) and Park Schools (5th).
Additional information - Three of nine are parochial, Catholic; Nardin (1st), Canisius (4th) and Mount St. Mary's (8th). Three of nine are public schools; City Honors (3rd), Williamsville (6th) and Clearance (9th).
However, I can understand and appreciate why high schools do test. Which brings me to the results of many months of research. Some schools are difficult to compare simply because they are Regents exempt. Therefore, they do not make Buffalo's School Ranking in Business First paper. This is why I took the time to do this.
I looked at the school ranking for Western NY. Then took the top 20, plus the Regent exempt schools for a comparison. I found the SAT scores for the year 2008. I put each school's Mean Reading and Math SAT score into a spreadsheet and sorted them by score. (I also have three year averages for some of the schools.) Here are the SAT scores.
1. Nardin
2. Nichols
3. City Honors
4. Canisius
5. Park Schools of Buffalo
6. Williamsville East
7. Buffalo Seminary
8. Mount St. Mary's
9. Clearance SHS
Nardin and Nichols were very close, less then a five points difference. Canisius and City Honors were only 10 points apart. Park Schools, Williamsville East and Buffalo Seminary had a tight grouping. To me when scrutinizing between two schools, if there is only 5, 10, 20 points between them I consider them "test taking equals".
From what I can tell, there is little difference between Nardin and Nichols' ability to perform on the SAT, whether you pull their three part or two part combined SAT scores. Their mean SAT scores were greater then 1800 and their two part combined reading & math were greater then 1200. I would think, that from year to year, they would flip back and forth between first and second place. Though, I would like to point out that between the top four spots there is only 22 points. With a little more work on reading (and writing for a three part SAT score) City honors could take on second place. They did well in Math. If it were based on Math, City honors wold be second place for 2008. Whereas Nardin has a very strong lead in Reading (and writing), first place by several points over all.
From City Honors on down to Buffalo Sem all schools scored greater then 1150 (1150 > 1200) on their two part combined reading and math. There is a 50 point drop to Mount St. Mary's and Clearance who hovered around 1100.
Why did this feel like I was at the horse races?
From the top score to ninth place there were 122 points. The reading and math scores are out of 1600 (two parts, 800 points each).
SAT scores are not weighted as are Regents exams. This may be part of the reason that Regents are use rather then SAT in school rankings. Note that Nichols, Canisius and Park Schools are Regents exempt. I did this little study because I want to understand how the Regents exempt schools fit into the academic picture, weighted or not.
Something I found interesting was the type of schools that ended up in the top tier for standardized tests. The top four of five schools are in the City of Buffalo's limits; Nardin (1st), Nichols (2nd), City Honors (3rd), Canisius (4th). The Park Schools of Buffalo (5th) use to be located in the city a long time ago. Three of the top five schools are progressive/magnet - "alternative learning methods" - Nardin has a Montessori (1st), City Honors (3rd) and Park Schools (5th).
Additional information - Three of nine are parochial, Catholic; Nardin (1st), Canisius (4th) and Mount St. Mary's (8th). Three of nine are public schools; City Honors (3rd), Williamsville (6th) and Clearance (9th).
Rating Schools
I understand that many schools are ranked by standardized test results but if parents were given the go ahead by society, they would consider other variables. Many feel pressured to choose a school based on rank whether a school of the arts or honors. What I ask instead is to listen to both your child and yourself.
One of the most important choices a parent will make is to choose a teaching method. This may be easy for some parents but others may be curious or new to multiple teaching methods (or styles). This goes beyond formal or non-formal. Most public schools today use a state wide method, usually a form of Rote learning/liberal arts with text books, and standardized tests. There are exceptions. The City of Buffalo, NY has a public Montessori Elementary school. Montessori would fall under the progressive teaching methods. Some public school districts have magnet high schools such as a school of the arts, honors or technology. But most public school systems do not have teaching method choice at the elementary level. Whereas, charter and private schools could be traditional, liberal arts, progressive or even technology or art based. There are many classifications. I have a tendency to group them as Main Stream, Classical/liberal Arts and Magnet/Progressive. Examples of magnet schools in Buffalo, NY would be The school of the Performing arts, City Honors, or Hutchinson Technical school.
What I found was that in order to choose a school, I had to choose a teaching method (Main Stream, classical/liberal Arts and progressive), which depended on several smaller desires. So, I made a list of all the details I wanted from class size to a preference of using all natural cleaning products. I then rewrote the list putting the items I refused to go without at the top and then the ones I would be flexible on at the bottom. Remember items like a second language can be had by using a tutor.
Factors that could lead you to choose a school could be class size, teacher quality, teach method and the amount of free time or study time (depending on the grade). What types of teaching materials were used (books, hands-on, abstract, verbal, computers, TV?)? Were the kids at desks, tables, or allowed to move from task to task? Also, look for condition of learning materials, school resources, activities both in and out of the class room. Do the kids go on field trips and how often? Are the book cost separate? I have heard of parents having to buy the books for their children in public and charter schools not just the privates.
Something that is easy to do is to dream of the school you always wanted to attend. This may not be the best fit for your child though. In fact, my brother has two lower school age children. The eldest, step child, is clearly leaning towards the arts and dance while the younger one will most likely go the way of a Non-Arts School. He was of the mind set that to be fair to all children they should all get the same education. But that would not really be fair to them, would it? A child with artistic & dance skills may not be happy in say a honors school, sitting in 8 classes of scholastic learning Latin, calculus, AP English, etc. Just as an honors student may not be comfortable in a dance leotard for ballet, modern dance and tap classes for most of the school day. He got the point.
So, once you have your list and you have thought about what your child's temperament and interests are you will start to see a natural selection happen. I knew from the beginning I wanted a progressive teaching method as a first choice and a classical/liberal arts as a second. Though, I originally was leaning towards a public gifted and talented (G&T) program near my home. Some parents may start with choosing public or private first then seeing which teaching methods were available.
This is how knowing your child and your wants for your child can automatically whittle your choices down to a short list of schools.
....May the school lotto be forgiving....
One of the most important choices a parent will make is to choose a teaching method. This may be easy for some parents but others may be curious or new to multiple teaching methods (or styles). This goes beyond formal or non-formal. Most public schools today use a state wide method, usually a form of Rote learning/liberal arts with text books, and standardized tests. There are exceptions. The City of Buffalo, NY has a public Montessori Elementary school. Montessori would fall under the progressive teaching methods. Some public school districts have magnet high schools such as a school of the arts, honors or technology. But most public school systems do not have teaching method choice at the elementary level. Whereas, charter and private schools could be traditional, liberal arts, progressive or even technology or art based. There are many classifications. I have a tendency to group them as Main Stream, Classical/liberal Arts and Magnet/Progressive. Examples of magnet schools in Buffalo, NY would be The school of the Performing arts, City Honors, or Hutchinson Technical school.
What I found was that in order to choose a school, I had to choose a teaching method (Main Stream, classical/liberal Arts and progressive), which depended on several smaller desires. So, I made a list of all the details I wanted from class size to a preference of using all natural cleaning products. I then rewrote the list putting the items I refused to go without at the top and then the ones I would be flexible on at the bottom. Remember items like a second language can be had by using a tutor.
Factors that could lead you to choose a school could be class size, teacher quality, teach method and the amount of free time or study time (depending on the grade). What types of teaching materials were used (books, hands-on, abstract, verbal, computers, TV?)? Were the kids at desks, tables, or allowed to move from task to task? Also, look for condition of learning materials, school resources, activities both in and out of the class room. Do the kids go on field trips and how often? Are the book cost separate? I have heard of parents having to buy the books for their children in public and charter schools not just the privates.
Something that is easy to do is to dream of the school you always wanted to attend. This may not be the best fit for your child though. In fact, my brother has two lower school age children. The eldest, step child, is clearly leaning towards the arts and dance while the younger one will most likely go the way of a Non-Arts School. He was of the mind set that to be fair to all children they should all get the same education. But that would not really be fair to them, would it? A child with artistic & dance skills may not be happy in say a honors school, sitting in 8 classes of scholastic learning Latin, calculus, AP English, etc. Just as an honors student may not be comfortable in a dance leotard for ballet, modern dance and tap classes for most of the school day. He got the point.
So, once you have your list and you have thought about what your child's temperament and interests are you will start to see a natural selection happen. I knew from the beginning I wanted a progressive teaching method as a first choice and a classical/liberal arts as a second. Though, I originally was leaning towards a public gifted and talented (G&T) program near my home. Some parents may start with choosing public or private first then seeing which teaching methods were available.
This is how knowing your child and your wants for your child can automatically whittle your choices down to a short list of schools.
....May the school lotto be forgiving....
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Tuition Free Preschool
In New Haven the school district is using funds to offer free tuition preschool. "To attract students from neighboring districts, New Haven Public Schools offers tuition-free preschool."
"To support tuition-free preschools, the district redirects tuition money generated by interdistrict students in kindergarten through eighth grade back down to preschool."
To read further...
"To support tuition-free preschools, the district redirects tuition money generated by interdistrict students in kindergarten through eighth grade back down to preschool."
To read further...
The Recession Hits The Preschools
I was doing a search for "tuition free preschools" and found this article about Texas preschools. The problem they are running into is that many middle class families make too high of an income to get financial aide and not high enough to afford the tuition.
The other dilemma is that daycare is a tax credit, dollar for dollar, whereas preschool is not tax deductible. So, if you had a choice between essentially free tuition at daycare vs. paying preschool tuition during this recession, the choice...well, there is no choice.
Paying for Preschool a Lesson in Economics
The other dilemma is that daycare is a tax credit, dollar for dollar, whereas preschool is not tax deductible. So, if you had a choice between essentially free tuition at daycare vs. paying preschool tuition during this recession, the choice...well, there is no choice.
Paying for Preschool a Lesson in Economics
Tours and Applications
Many applications for the following school year become available in September and October but are not due right away. Applications for 2009/2010 school year would be picked up in Fall of 2008.
Example: The Buffalo Public Elementary and Secondary schools, "The choice application process begins each year in mid-September with an application submission deadline date the first week of December."
Many schools allow a tour before submitting an application. This gives you an opportunity to see if the school is a good fit for your child before the application is due. This is not always the case though, double check with the school to see if the tour or application comes first.
Additionally, some schools require an entrance exam like City Honors (public), Canisius, Nardin, Holy Angels, etc. Other will require an art portfolio or essay. This information will be on the school's website.
Here are some links to school admission pages on their websites. The Performing Arts and City Honor Schools go through the general school application process but require extra information for the admissions.
Public
Buffalo Public Schools General Application Information
City Honors - Public
School of the Performing Arts Elementary and High School - Public
Private
The Park School Of Buffalo - Private, Co-ed
Nichols - High School - Private, Co-ed
Canisius High School - Private, SS Boys
Buffalo Seminary High School - Private, SS Girls
Nardin - High School - Private, SS Girls
Holy Angels - Private, SS Girls
Charter
Tapestry Charter Crammer and High School
Westminster (They are having problems with their website)
Elmwood Charter School
Oracale Charter School
Example: The Buffalo Public Elementary and Secondary schools, "The choice application process begins each year in mid-September with an application submission deadline date the first week of December."
Many schools allow a tour before submitting an application. This gives you an opportunity to see if the school is a good fit for your child before the application is due. This is not always the case though, double check with the school to see if the tour or application comes first.
Some schools will be hosting open house nights in September or October that are open to potential candidates. Other schools prefer to do small group or one-on-one tour. You can look up the school's website or call the school ahead of time to find out how the the admission process works at each school on your list.
Additionally, some schools require an entrance exam like City Honors (public), Canisius, Nardin, Holy Angels, etc. Other will require an art portfolio or essay. This information will be on the school's website.
Here are some links to school admission pages on their websites. The Performing Arts and City Honor Schools go through the general school application process but require extra information for the admissions.
Public
Buffalo Public Schools General Application Information
City Honors - Public
School of the Performing Arts Elementary and High School - Public
Private
The Park School Of Buffalo - Private, Co-ed
Nichols - High School - Private, Co-ed
Canisius High School - Private, SS Boys
Buffalo Seminary High School - Private, SS Girls
Nardin - High School - Private, SS Girls
Holy Angels - Private, SS Girls
Charter
Tapestry Charter Crammer and High School
Westminster (They are having problems with their website)
Elmwood Charter School
Oracale Charter School
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Schools - Too many to choose from
According to News Week, I went to a very good public school, top 5% in the nation. I am grateful for having such an opportunity. Today, I am faced with more choices then I imagined.
Websites
Once you know what you and your child's preferences are, it is time to start review the school websites. This will give you all the basics from teacher student ratio to the number of teachers with terminal degrees (they have completed all the education possible for their profession).
Internet
Do a search on the internet. It is not unusual for schools to make headlines. This is a valuable resource.
Friends & Neighbors
If you have friends with older children ask them if they will share some of their experiences from their school even if it is a school you do not think you will apply to. You may be surprised, or confirm your opinion of the school but most importantly you are building up a data base to compare to.
Gathering data can take a while, consider starting a year before the application is due.
Websites
Once you know what you and your child's preferences are, it is time to start review the school websites. This will give you all the basics from teacher student ratio to the number of teachers with terminal degrees (they have completed all the education possible for their profession).
Internet
Do a search on the internet. It is not unusual for schools to make headlines. This is a valuable resource.
Friends & Neighbors
If you have friends with older children ask them if they will share some of their experiences from their school even if it is a school you do not think you will apply to. You may be surprised, or confirm your opinion of the school but most importantly you are building up a data base to compare to.
Gathering data can take a while, consider starting a year before the application is due.
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