More Than 87 Percent of Schools Show Growth:  The District’s Growth Rate Outpaces State Average

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS) continues to show a strong and steady increase in its average District Performance Score (DPS) over the last five years, according to the 2011 DPS results released by the Louisiana State Department of Education today, October 5.

State data showed an overall growth for EBRPSS of 4.2 points, which indicates an improvement from the 2010 DPS of 82 points to 86.2 points this year.  In the past four years, the district’s performance has increased by 13.9 points.  Eighty-seven percent of the district’s schools showed growth.

The state’s ranking system for school and district performance uses the same basic formulas it has in the past for star ratings.  Instead of stars, however, schools and districts now will be assigned letter grades by the state, which is more manageable and recognizable by the community at large.  That is:  120-200 points for an A, 105-119.9 points B, 90-104.9 points C, 65-89.9 points D and 64.9 and below F.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but we are growing steadily and continue to look at what is working at our successful schools and if we can apply it in other schools.  We are headed in the right direction.  This is some of the best growth this district has ever had,” said EBRPSS Superintendent John Dilworth.  “All said, we are happy with the 87-percent improvement of our schools, and we continue to evaluate the progress and people who get the work done.”

The school district continued its steady growth this year with Baton Rouge Magnet High School as a standout.  The school had the second-highest performance of all schools in the state at 174.8 points.

“We understand the challenges and opportunities we face,” Dilworth said.  “I am pleased with the continued growth we’ve made.  I thank our teachers, administrators, parents, volunteers and students for their work.  I encourage all to continue to do their best every minute of every day to improve teaching, learning and creating relationships to prepare our students for college and work.”