Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Nov/Dec 2015

UCPS graduation rate highest in school system history The state of North Carolina and Union the state added an A+ grade to the list of designations and 8 schools County Public Schools released received this distinction. several accountability Three schools, Wolfe, Walter Bickett Education Center and measures for the South Providence, were not scored because they do not fit the NC 2014-15 school year. Performance Grades model. School grades are provided on a 15-point UCPS announced today scale. that its four-year graduation cohort rose to 93 percent for 2015, up from 92.6 percent in 2014. The four- year graduation cohort measures the 2014-15 READY percentage of students who graduate Accountability Data Highlights in four years. This is the highest graduation rate in the school system’s history. For five years, UCPS has shown a • 72.1 percent of 3-8 graders met grade level proficiency steady gain in its graduation rate. (Levels 3-5) Two high schools, Central Academy • 63.3 percent of 3-8 graders met College and Career Ready of Arts and Technology and the Union County Early College, had a measures (Levels 4-5) graduation rate at 100 percent. Seven of UCPS 12 high schools had a rate of 90 percent or higher. Schools that scored above 95 percent • 74 percent of schools met or exceeded academic growth are Weddington (99.7), Marvin (99.5), Cuthbertson (98.5) and Porter goals in 2014-15 Ridge (95.7). • 15 schools (30%) exceeded expected growth In addition, of the 10 largest school districts in the state, UCPS • 22 schools (44%) met expected growth has the highest graduation rate. The North Carolina graduation rate is • 13 schools (26%) did not meet expected growth 85.4 percent. “This is the highest graduation rate we’ve ever seen in Union • 91.1 percent of third graders were proficient in reading County Public Schools and I want to commend our students, following the Read to Achieve summer camp principals, staff and parents for working hard and staying focused,” said Superintendent Dr. Mary Ellis. “While I am pleased with this progress, I am not resting on these numbers. I would like to see all high school students earn a high school diploma.” The state also released results from the READY initiative which measures academic growth and proficiency. Growth reflects the academic progress students made during the course of one school When your Pet Boards 3 or year. more nights. (up to a $26.19 value) In the 2014-15 school year, more UCPS students performed on grade level than the previous year. In addition, test results show that 74 percent of schools met or exceeded academic growth goals for Hurry! Expires 01/31/16. 2014-15. Limit 1 Free Night per stay, one coupon per visit. The district performance composite was 63.3 percent for College Not valid on holiday weekends. and Career Readiness and 72.1 percent for Grade Level Proficiency. This compares to 62.2 percent and 71.5 percent in 2013-14. As a requirement of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, formerly known as No Child Left Behind, schools are measured When your pet stays with us, we want them to have the best possible against Annual Measurable Objectives (AMO). These objectives are a time. That’s why we hand-walk our canine boarders three times daily and series of performance targets that states, school districts and specific offer options like tuck-in treats, and individual playtime with our staff. Our subgroups of students must achieve each year to meet federal feline guests enjoy a window view from their modern cat condos. You’ll requirements. In 2014-15, 21 out of 52 or 40.4 percent of schools met AMOs. The number of schools that met AMOs in 2013-14 was 26. enjoy your vacation more knowing they’re enjoying theirs. “The targets and subgroups will increase each year and this Now welcoming new family members! means we have to do more to close achievement gaps in our Mon, Thurs 8 -7 schools,” Ellis said. “We’ve seen the data and we know where Open for improvements are needed.” Tues, Wed, Fri 8-6 drop offs at For the second year, North Carolina has released performance 7:30 am! Sat 8-1 grades for schools. As required by state legislation, School Performance Grades are based on 80 percent of the school’s 160 Corporate Blvd • Indian Trail achievement score and 20 percent on students’ academic growth. Based on state measures, out of the 50 schools that were scored in Union County Public Schools, 44 (88%) earned a score of C or IndianTrailAnimalHospital.com better and 14 (28%) schools received an A or better. In addition, 1 FREE Night Valuable Coupon Boarding, not Boring. 704•821•7040 Parent Teacher Magazine • Nov/Dec 2015 • 3

Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Nov/Dec 2015 | Page 5