How Are The Rock Hill Schools Doing?

Most folks would like to know how our schools are doing compared to other districts. The state issues a report card each year, but often that data is not easy to interpret and there is so much data available, it is hard to decide what is really important. And really, data should be looked at over time and not a one to two year snapshot. Which brings me to the charts below. All the data was taken from the state report cards going back to 2004 and for the most part, are a comparison to districts, as determined by the state, that are similar to ours.

You would probably pick other items to compare, and as we all know, the key is not so much in the data, but in the interpretation of just what the data means. I'll give a few brief comments on my opinion, I'm sure your opinion will be different. Of course, 50% means half full to some, but half empty to others.

Above the line means we have a higher graduation rate compared to school districts similar to ours. Surprisingly, some people take pride in a lower rate, saying that means you have to earn your degree. 

Above the line means we have more students qualifying for Life Scholarships compared to districts similar to ours. It would be interesting to find out what happened in 2008. Otherwise, I'd say we are doing about the same as the other districts.

Above the line means we have more students drop out than a typical district. Other than 2007, I'd say we are doing about the same as other districts.

Above the line means we spend more per student than districts similar to ours. There are so many variables here, I'm not sure this really tells us anything without digging further into the data.

Below the line means we have fewer students per teacher compared to similar districts.

Below the line means we have fewer students passing the HSAP exam compared to similar districts. It seems we have been making some progress here.

Below the line means we have fewer students taking advanced classes. Other than the period 2005-2007, we've been at the level of comparable schools. This is important for those who desire to go on to college.

Above the line means we expel more students than other districts similar to ours. This could be because of board policy or because we do not have an alternative school. This could also affect graduation rates.

Above the line means we have fewer teacher absences from school. Could be an indicator of  teacher age, school climate, or nothing at all.

Not sure this means anything, but below the line means fewer reported days for professional development.

Above the line means a higher percent of the budget is being spent on instruction than similar districts.

Above the line means teacher retention is higher than for similar districts. Could be indicative of school climate.

Not sure this means anything, but it comes up a lot. Above the line is how much higher the average administrators salary is compared to districts similar to ours. I expect this will drop below the line for the 2011 year because many took a 15% pay cut.

Above the line means the average salary is higher than those similar to ours. Again, there are so many factors (years of service, education level, national board certification) I'm not sure this means anything. I expect our numbers to come down for 2011 because of furlough days, and eliminating the local National Board supplement.

It's always interesting to see how our student population changes. Since 1970, the average increase has been about 2% per year. We actually lost students in the 2011 year, primarily because of York Prep Academy starting up, but we also had a reduction in the high school population which wasn't impacted by YPA.

See my data by clicking here. There is no pride in authorship, I may have made some data entry mistakes.

Get your own data by clicking here. You will be able to get all the state report cards going back 10 years. Develop your own comparisons and email them to me.