School Accountability Report Card Reported for School Year 2002-2003 Published During 2003-2004
Notes regarding the source and currency of data: Data included in this School Accountability Report Card (SARC) are consistent with State Board of Education guidelines, which are available at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ope/sarc/data.htm. Most data presented in this report were collected from the 2002-03 school year or from the two preceding years (2000-01 and 2001-02). Due to the certification timelines for graduation, dropout, and fiscal information, the data for these sections of the report were collected in 2001-02. A glossary of terms is available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/demographics/glossary.
School Information
District Information
School Name
Sequoia Middle
District Name
Bakersfield City Elementary
Principal
Dr. Hugh McGowan
Superintendent
Dr. Jean Fuller
Street
900 Belle Terrace
1300 Baker St.
City, State, Zip
Bakersfield, CA 93304-
Bakersfield, CA 93305-4326
Phone Number
661.631.5940
661.631.4600
FAX Number
661.631.3236
661.326.1485
Web Site
www.bcsd.com/sequoia
www.bcsd.com
Email Address
mcgowanh@bcsd.com
fullerj@bcsd.com
CDS Code
15-63321-6008957
SARC Contact
Dr. Marvin Jones
School Description and Mission Statement
This is the fifteenth year of the School Accountability Report Card that was established by Proposition 98, an initiative passed by California voters. As you read the Record Card, you will gain a better understanding of Sequoia as a school with a record for improvements; a faculty that is professionally skilled and personally committed to meeting the learning needs of students; A student body which is enthusiastic and motivated to perform well.
Sequoia Middle School is located in the south/central Bakersfield, in a middle class neighborhood.
· All students can learn. Student learning is the highest priority for our school.
· Students learn in different ways and at different rates. They are provided with a variety of instructional approaches to support individual learning styles.
· Each student is a valued individual. Each has unique physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs. Positive relationships and mutual respect among and between students and staff enhance self-esteem.
· Assessment of student learning provides students with a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their learning achievement.
· A safe, comfortable environment promotes student learning.
· All students benefit from cultural diversity through the understanding of different peoples and cultures.
· Teachers, administrators, parents and the community share in the responsibility for advancing Sequoia Middle School’s mission.
Our mission is to establish a strong foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing, guiding and challenging all students to achieve their maximum potential.
Opportunities for Parental Involvement
Contact Person Name
Justin Jones
Contact Person Phone Number
661.631.3288
Sequoia Middle School recognizes the fact that parent support and involvement are key to student success. Parents are always welcome at Sequoia. Our School Site Council, School Advisory and English Language Advisory Committees are responsible for State and Federal categorical funding. The Parent Teacher Student Association provides extra curricular activities and opportunities for students. Sequoia also offers evening parent education sessions throughout the school year.
I. Demographic Information Student Enrollment, by Grade Level Data reported are the number of students in each grade level as reported by the California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS).
Grade Level
Enrollment
Grade 6
354
Grade 7
303
Grade 8
310
Total Enrollment
967
Student Enrollment, by Ethnic Group Data reported are the number and percent of students in each racial/ethnic category as reported by CBEDS.
Racial/Ethnic Category
Number of Students
Percent of Students
African-American
142
14.7
Hispanic or Latino
612
63.3
American Indian or Alaska Native
6
0.6
Pacific Islander
0
0.0
Asian
12
1.2
White (Not Hispanic)
188
19.4
Filipino
Multiple or No Response
1
0.1
II. School Safety and Climate for Learning School Safety Plan
Date of Last Review/Update
5-8-03
Date Last Discussed with Staff
Sequoia established its Comprehensive School Safety Plan in 1998. A law enforcement officer specializing in safety provided direction in the establishment of the School Safety Plan. Sequoia’s School Safety Plan is current and is updated annually. Key elements of Sequoia’s School Safety Plan include the following: (a) routine and emergency disaster procedures; (b) suspension, and expulsion procedures; (c) teacher notification of pupils with a specific discipline history; (d) child abuse reporting procedures, (e) the district’s sexual harassment policy; (f) school crime data; (g) the student dress code; (h) safe entrance and exit procedures; (i) the civil defense and disaster plan; and (j) discipline rules and procedures. Our overall goal is to maintain a safe and orderly school environment conducive to learning.
School Programs and Practices that Promote a Positive Learning Environment
Sequoia Middle School is proud of its warm and caring staff and their dedication to providing a positive school climate. Expectations for classroom behavior and consequences for discipline are communicated to the students and parents through the Bakersfield City School District Guide for Parents. Healthy Start provides students and families with basic needs. The RIK, and the Real Men and Women programs provide help with social skills. Our highly attended after school program provides students with academic and nonacademic extracurricular activities. Tutoring in the core subject areas with an emphasis on Reading and Math, as well as homework help in all subject areas is provided. Drama, Choir, Jazz Band, Art, Team Sports, Flag and Competitive Cheerleading are also offered as positive experiences for our students.
Suspensions and Expulsions Data reported are the number of suspensions and expulsions (i.e., the total number of incidents that result in a suspension or expulsion). The rate of suspensions and expulsions is the total number of incidents divided by the school's total enrollment as reported by CBEDS for the given year. In unified school districts, a comparison between a particular type of school (elementary, middle, high) and the district average may be misleading. Schools have the option of comparing their data with the district-wide average for the same type of school.
School
District
2001
2002
2003
Number of Suspensions
255
264
629
3127
3319
9451
Rate of Suspensions
28%
29%
65%
11%
12%
34%
Number of Expulsions
20
127
140
136
Rate of Expulsions
2%
1%
0%
School Facilities
Sequoia School was built in 1952 and modernized in 1996. It sits on 9.8 acres of which 4.06 acres is playground. This school has 40 classrooms, a cafeteria, auditorium, greenhouse and a computer lab. The campus also has a staff lounge.
The custodial staff adheres to a weekly cleaning schedule that includes classrooms, restrooms, the cafeteria and kitchen areas.
The District’s Mobile Maintenance Team visits the school site at least twice a year. Maintenance emergencies are addressed immediately. District personnel maintain the grounds at least once every two weeks.
III. Academic Data Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Through the California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program, students in grades 2-11 are tested annually in various subject areas. Currently, the STAR program includes California Standards Tests (CST) in English-language arts and mathematics in grades 2-11, science and history/social science in grades 9-11, and a norm-referenced test, which tests reading, language, and mathematics in grades 2-11, spelling in grades 2-8, and science in grades 9-11. California Standards Tests (CST) The California Standards Tests (CST) show how well students are doing in relation to the state content standards. Student scores are reported as performance levels. The five performance levels are Advanced (exceeds state standards), Proficient (meets state standards), Basic (approaching state standards), Below Basic (below state standards), and Far Below Basic (well below state standards). Students scoring at the Proficient or Advanced level meet state standards in that content area. Detailed information regarding results for each grade and proficiency level can be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://star.cde.ca.gov/ or by speaking with the school principal. Note: To protect student privacy, scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less. CST - All Students Data reported are the percent of students achieving at the proficient or advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standard) and percent not tested.
Performance Level
State
English Language Arts
Proficient or Advanced
14
16
30
32
35
Not Tested
3
7
2
5
8
Mathematics
10
19
24
31
---
Science
27
History/Social Science
28
CST - Racial/Ethnic Groups Data reported are the percent of students achieving at the proficient or advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standard) and percent not tested.
African- American
White (not Hispanic)
9
17
13
CST - Subgroups Data reported are the percent of students achieving at the proficient or advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standard) and percent not tested.
Male
Female
English Learners
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged
Students With Disabilities
Migrant Education Services
Yes
No
38
11
23
Norm-Referenced Test (NRT) Reading and mathematics results from the Norm-Referenced Test (NRT), adopted by the State Board of Education (this was the Stanford 9 test up until 2003, but was changed to the California Achievement Test, Sixth Edition for 2003), are reported for each grade level as the percent of tested students scoring at or above the 50th percentile (the national average). School results are compared to results at the district and state levels. Detailed information regarding results for each grade level can be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://star.cde.ca.gov/ or by speaking with the school principal. Note: To protect student privacy, scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less. NRT - All Students Data reported are the percent of students scoring at or above the 50th percentile.
Subject
Reading
29
26
44
45
43
37
53
55
50
NRT - Racial/Ethnic Groups Data reported are the percent of students scoring at or above the 50th percentile.
22
15
25
NRT - Subgroups Data reported are the percent of students scoring at or above the 50th percentile.
21
49
47
California Physical Fitness Test Data reported are the percent of students meeting fitness standards (scoring in the healthy fitness zone on all six fitness standards). Detailed information regarding the California Physical Fitness Test may be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/statetests/pe/pe.html. Note: To protect student privacy, scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less.
Total
30.3
31.9
28.7
20.5
18.5
22.3
27.2
28.9
25.5
Academic Performance Index (API) The Academic Performance Index (API) is a score on a scale of 200 to 1000 that annually measures the academic performance and progress of individual schools in California. On an interim basis, the state has set 800 as the API score that schools should strive to meet. Growth Targets: The annual growth target for a school is 5 percent of the distance between its Base API and 800. The growth target for a school at or above 800 is to remain at or above 800. Actual growth is the number of API points a school gained between its base and growth years. Schools that reach their annual targets are eligible for awards. Schools that do not meet their targets and have a statewide API rank of one to five are eligible to participate in the Immediate Intervention/Underperforming Schools Program (II/USP), which provides resources to schools to improve their academic achievement. There was no money allocated to the II/USP Program in 2002 or 2003. Subgroup APIs and Targets: In addition to a schoolwide API, schools also receive API scores for each numerically significant subgroup in the school (i.e., racial/ethnic subgroups and socioeconomically disadvantaged students). Growth targets, equal to 80 percent of the school's target, are also set for each of the subgroups. Each subgroup must also meet its target for the school to be eligible for awards. Percent Tested: In order to be eligible for awards, elementary and middle schools must test at least 95 percent of their students in grades 2-8 and high schools must test at least 90 percent of their students in grades 9-11 on STAR. Statewide Rank: Schools receiving a Base API score are ranked in ten categories of equal size (deciles) from one (lowest) to ten (highest), according to type of school (elementary, middle, or high school). Similar Schools Rank: Schools also receive a ranking that compares that school to 100 other schools with similar demographic characteristics. Each set of 100 schools is ranked by API score from one (lowest) to ten (highest) to indicate how well the school performed compared to schools most like it. API criteria are subject to change as new legislation is enacted into law. Detailed information about the API and the Public Schools Accountability Act (PSAA) can be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/psaa/api/ or by speaking with the school principal. Schoolwide API
API Base Data
API Growth Data
2000
From 2000 to 2001
From 2001 to 2002
From 2002 to 2003
Percent Tested
95
99
API Base Score
525
535
548
API Growth Score
536
533
565
Growth Target
Actual Growth
-2
Statewide Rank
Similar Schools Rank
4
API Subgroups - Racial/Ethnic Groups
468
434
451
440
484
33
508
534
547
532
568
-9
625
626
638
631
639
618
-20
API Subgroups - Socioeconomically Disadvantaged
513
515
530
512
550
-3
Awards and Intervention Programs Eligibility for statewide award or intervention programs is based on API growth data from the previous academic year. The Immediate Intervention/Underperforming Schools Program was not funded for the year 2002 or 2003.
Federal Programs
Recognition for Achievement (Title 1)
Number of Schools Identified for Program Improvement
Identified for Program Improvement (Title 1)
Percent of Schools Identified for Program Improvement
7.0
28.6
Exited Title 1 Program Improvement
Years Identified for Program Improvement
California Programs
Eligible for Governor's Performance Award
Eligible for II/USP
n/a
Applied for II/USP Funding
Received II/USP Funding
Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) The federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires that all students perform at or above the proficient level on the state's standards-based assessments by 2014. In order to achieve this goal and meet annual performance objectives, districts and schools must improve each year according to set requirements. Data reported show whether all groups of students in the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Detailed information about AYP can be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ayp/ or by speaking with the school principal.
Groups
All Students
African American
V. Class Size Average Teaching Load and Teaching Load Distribution Data reported are the average class size and the number of classrooms that fall into each size category (i.e., number of students), by subject area as reported by CBEDS.
Avg. Class Size
Number of Classrooms
1-22
23-32
33+
English
27.42
36
29.82
27.84
26.43
27.62
28.95
28.20
29.30
28.30
Social Science
30.06
31.21
31.74
VI. Teacher and Staff Information Teacher Credentials Data reported are the number of teachers (full-time and part-time). Each teacher is counted as '1'. If a teacher works at two schools, he/she is only counted at one school. Data are not available for teachers with a full credential and teaching outside his/her subject area.
Total Teachers
Teachers with Full Credential (full credential and teaching in subject area)
Teachers Teaching Outside Subject Area (full credential but teaching outside subject area)
Teachers with Emergency Credential (includes District Internship, University Internship, Pre-Interns, and Emergency Permits)
Teachers with Waivers (does not have credential and does not qualify for an Emergency Permit)
Teacher Evaluations
Teacher evaluation procedures are defined in the collective bargaining agreement, evaluation documents utilized in the evaluation process, Board of Education policy, and communications prepared by Personnel Services. Teachers in permanent status are evaluated biennially, but may be evaluated annually. Teachers in any other status are evaluated annually. The criteria for evaluation is developed collaboratively between the school principal and teacher. The results of the evaluation are shared with the teacher with a copy placed in the teacher’s personnel file. The rating on the teacher evaluation checklist are: meets standards, needs improvement, and unsatisfactory.
Substitute Teachers
The District provides qualified substitutes when teachers are absent. If the District experiences difficulty in obtaining substitutes on a particular day due to a short supply and excessive demands, capable and qualified support personnel at our own school are available to substitute.
Counselors and Other Support Staff Data reported are in units of full-time equivalents (FTE). One FTE is defined as a staff person who is working 100 percent (i.e., full time). Two staff persons who each work 50 percent of full time also equals one FTE.
Title
FTE
Counselor
Librarian
Academic Counselors Data reported are in units of full-time equivalents (FTE). One FTE is defined as a staff person who is working 100 percent (i.e., full time). Two staff persons who each work 50 percent of full time also equals one FTE. The ratio of students per academic counselor is defined as enrollment as reported by CBEDS divided by the full-time-equivalent academic counselors.
Number of Academic Counselors (FTE)
Ratio of Students Per Academic Counselor
456.50
VII. Curriculum and Instruction School Instruction and Leadership
The leadership of Sequoia Middle School is the principal’s responsibility. Dr. McGowan has been a successful administrator for over twenty years. Sequoia’s Leadership Team is comprised of teachers, administrators, and community members. The Leadership Team shares decision making with the principal and serves as a vehicle for communication between the teaching staff, community and administration.
All students receive each of the core subjects daily. The entire Sequoia staff has been trained to provide effective instruction using the California content standards. Sequoia has focused most of its attention on the California standards in math and reading. All students are given monthly standards assessments in math and quarterly standards tests in reading.
There is an ongoing monitoring system for students with special needs. Special Education students are formally reviewed at least once a year by a district psychologist and site staff. High achieving students are considered for GATE/Honors inclusion through the monitoring of GPA and test scores. English Language Learners are provided with an extra period of English Language Development as well as support in the classroom from bilingual aides. At-risk students are provided services through our Academic Student Improvement Program in reading and math. Students also have the opportunity to participate in many after school programs including sports, fine arts and academic tutoring.
Professional Development
Professional Development Days are designed to provide continuous learning opportunities for administrators, teachers, and classified personnel. These days affirm the basic philosophy of education that learning is a lifelong process that contributes to the well being of the students, teachers, administrators, and community.
Three Professional Development Days for certificated staff were scheduled during the 2002-2003 school year. All of the days were planned by the school sites to meet their individual needs. The days were scheduled prior to the opening of school, during the fall and winter. All professional development days were scheduled outside of the regular school calendar.
Through reading, math and technology grants awarded by the state, the district has been able to provide extensive training throughout the school year. Each of these sessions were held during the afternoon and on Saturdays, to support teachers in their implementation of a balanced reading/language arts, the integration of technology and mathematics intervention strategies.
New teachers received professional development through the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) program. The focus of training was in the California Formative Assessment and Support System for Teachers (CFASST), California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) and the California Academic Content Standards. In addition, professional development was provided to meet induction requirements of SB 2042 leading to the California Clear Teaching Credential. Each beginning teacher was assigned a veteran teacher who served as a support provider. The support providers received on-going professional development in CFASST, coaching strategies, and instructional techniques. Professional development was provided through individual mentor, monthly meetings, and after-school or weekend workshops.
Pre-Intern and Intern teachers received professional development at monthly meetings focusing on the initial teaching skills of the CSTP including classroom management, lesson planning, assessment, and establishing a climate that is conducive to student achievement. Forty hours of professional development, entitled Initial Teaching Training, was made available to Pre-intern and Intern teachers prior to the beginning of the school session. Each Pre-intern and Intern was assigned a coach that provided day-to-day support in these areas as well as advisement toward meeting credential requirements.
Counseling, mentoring, and videotaping was provided on an individual basis to teachers seeking certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). NBPTS candidates met weekly with previous certified teachers who supported the new applicants in the application process.
Quality and Currency of Textbooks and Other Instructional Materials
All textbooks and instructional materials provided by the district are aligned with the California State Frameworks and State Academic Content Standards. Districtwide committees of teachers, principals, and parents under the direction of the Director of Curriculum and Standards evaluate and select materials from the state list of approved materials. These identified materials meet the rigor of the California Academic Content Standards.
The following instructional materials are standards-based and adopted from the state list:
Content Area
Grade
Level
Publisher
Textbook
Adoption
Year
K-6
Harcourt Brace
Houghton Mifflin
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Harcourt Social Science
Across the Centuries
The American Journey
1999-2000
K-5
6-8
Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Harcourt Science
Holt Science and Technology
2000-2001
8*
McDougal Littell
Glencoe
Houghton Mifflin Mathematics and Matematicas (Spanish)
Mathematics Concepts and Skills and Algebra 1 Concepts and Skills
Mathematics Applications and Connections 3
2001-2002
Reading/Language Arts
Holt Rinehart Winston
Reading California
Lectura (Spanish)
Holt Literature and Language Arts
2002-2003
* The Glencoe Mathematics Program used by some 8th graders is not on the current adoption list but on the AB 2519 list. These materials are used to assist students in preparation for the high school exit exam and Algebra I.
Instructional Minutes The California Education Code establishes the required number of instructional minutes per year for each grade. Data reported compares the number of instructional minutes offered at the school level to the state requirement for each grade.
Instructional Minutes
Offered
State Requirement
59,220
54,000
Total Number of Minimum Days
There are a total of eight minimum days during the school year. The minimum days are scheduled to allow time for parent conferences and other duties.
IX. Fiscal and Expenditure Data Average Salaries (Fiscal Year 2001-2002) Data reported are the district average salary for teachers, principals, and superintendents, compared to the state average salaries for districts of the same type and size, as defined by Education Code Section 41409. The district average principal salary is shown separately for elementary, middle, and high schools, but the state average principal salary is combined.
Category
District Amount
State Average For Districts In Same Category
Beginning Teacher Salary
34836
37036
Mid-Range Teacher Salary
52518
60113
Highest Teacher Salary
67712
74006
Average Principal Salary (Elementary)
88952
89875
Average Principal Salary (Middle)
93958
Average Principal Salary (High)
Superintendent Salary
148394
138150
Percent of Budget for Teacher Salaries
43.81
45.72
Percent of Budget for Administrative Salaries
3.92
5.57
Expenditures (Fiscal Year 2001-2002) Data reported are total dollars expended in the district, and the dollars expended per student at the district compared to the state average. Detailed information regarding expenditures may be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fiscal/financial/.
State Average All Districts
Total Dollars
Dollars per Student (ADA)
$191071558
$7030
$6444
$6719