According to 2008 School Performance Score results released by the Louisiana State Department of Education today, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS) showed a steady increase in the average School Performance Score over the last five years. The District Performance Score for EBRPSS also showed an increase over previous years.

State data indicates the EBRPSS District Performance Score has improved by 1.8 points from last year to reach our highest score to date of 74.1 points. The number of schools showing growth also increased compared to last year. Fourteen EBRPSS schools received the top performance label of “exemplary academic growth” or “recognized academic growth.” Additionally, the number of schools in the School System that are now eligible to receive financial rewards for academic growth increased from the previous year.

In another breakdown, the number of EBRPSS schools identified as academically unacceptable decreased from the previous year.  In fact, EBRPSS leads the state in the number of schools that exited the Academically Unacceptable School (AUS) Status. Polk, Merrydale and Howell Park elementary schools were removed from AUS school list earlier this year and will not be eligible for placement into the Recovery School District (RSD).

While these performance scores show an increase, the School System is taking steps to improve learning outcomes for all children and ensure that all students meet high expectations. Current initiatives and programs in place will only continue to raise test scores at all schools. These initiatives include the district wide literacy program, as well as the new numeracy initiative that was implemented district-wide beginning this school year. 

“While we are pleased that the majority of our schools are showing growth, we realize that there is still work to be done to raise all school scores in order to meet the federal and state accountability goals,” said School System Superintendent Charlotte D. Placide. “Based on in-house school performance score predictions that were made over the summer, the School System has taken pro-active steps by placing targeted assistance in schools that did not meet their targets.”