Photo Credit: Maddie Norwood[/caption]Students and parents who looked up Orange High School’s grade on the new statewide grading scale on Thursday, February 5 may have been disappointed to see that the school received a “C.” Numerically, OHS had a grade of 67, which would be a “D” on the 10-point grading scale that the state will implement next year. Currently, the state is using a 15-point grading scale.
Many schools in the district and state received a “C.” Three district schools received a “B,” and one received a “D.” Eight, including OHS, received a “C.” According to a News & Observer analysis, the state gave a “C” to approximately 40 percent of schools.
Some have criticized the new system for its emphasis on test scores instead of growth, and multiple school districts requested that the release of the grades be delayed. OHS Principal Jason Johnson said, “I don’t think [the grade] really represents the day-to-day operations of the school. I don’t think it represents the complete picture of Orange High School… I wish the scores had measured a little bit more growth versus just proficiency scores, but, at the same time, I have to acknowledge the fact that we didn’t meet growth last year as a school.”
For high schools, EOC scores for certain subjects, graduation rates, the rigor of math courses, and students’ scores on the ACT and ACT WorkKeys all factor into schools’ overall scores. OHS had a high graduation rate and math course rigor, but low scores in other areas, particularly the Math I EOC.
Johnson has not received any complaints from parents about the school’s grade, but would be happy to talk to anyone who has concerns. He said that the administration will “dig down into the data” to improve OHS’ grade. He wants to ensure that the school has a “climate conducive to students,” better attendance, quality classroom instruction, and a way for every student to be connected with the school outside of class.
“We have a lot of room to grow. That’s the fun thing about being at Orange—every year, there’s something new that you can improve upon,” he stated.
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