District reviews state grades

Building report cards show failing grades; schools move up to a ‘D’

The building report cards for Lorain City Schools contain a number of failing grades.

But the district highlighted some bright spots among the latest marks from the Ohio Department of Education.

Overall, Lorain moved up from an “F” grade to a “D” grade for the 2019 report cards, which measured education in the 2018-19 school year.

The state Education Department published the results Sept. 12, with building-level grades available later that day.

Lorain Schools published a five-page statement citing areas where teachers, support staff, administrators and students are getting better, as measured by the state, by following The Lorain Promise, the district’s academic turnaround plan. The district statement included comments from several building principals as well.

Gap closing overall

The school statement focused on the state category of gap closing, which improved for Lorain Schools from an overall “F” to an overall “B.”

“The metric looks at student subcategories based on factors like race, ethnicity and disabilities and measures how much they are improving to close the gap in achievement against performance goals that are increased every year,” the school statement said. “We know that poverty, violence and trauma are too prevalent in our scholars’ young lives, and it is only by acknowledging their unique experiences while providing rich and rigorous learning opportunities can we hope to fulfill the promise we make to them when we say they are ready to graduate.”

The Ohio Department of Education outlines other grading categories at the district and building level:

• Achievement. It “represents whether student performance on state tests met established thresholds and how well students performed on tests overall. A new indicator measures chronic absenteeism.”

• Progress, which “looks closely at the growth that all students are making based on their past performances.”

• Gap closing, which “shows how well schools are meeting the performance expectations for our most vulnerable populations of students in English language arts, math and graduation. It also measures how schools are doing in helping English learners to become proficient in English.”

Overall building grades

Hawthorne, Helen Steiner Rice, Stevan Dohanos and Washington elementaries each earned building grades of “C.”

Grades of “D” went to Admiral King, Garfield, Larkmoor, Palm and Toni Morrison elementaries, Longfellow and Southview middle schools and Lorain High

School.

Frank Jacinto Elementary, General Johnnie Wilson Middle School and New Beginnings Academy, earned overall grades of “F.”

Stevan Dohanos Elementary

Stevan Dohanos Elementary had a “A” in progress, “B” in gap closing and “C” overall.

“Our teachers and staff ensure our scholars receive a high quality education by meeting the individual needs of the whole child,” said Principal Marie Deshuk. “Scholar work samples are reviewed weekly to plan instruction which includes needed intervention and/or enrichment.”

Hawthorne Elementary

Hawthorne Elementary earned an “A” in gap closing, “C” in K-3 literacy and “C” in progress. The school had a “C” grade overall.

“The scores that we have received pay homage to the hard work of our scholars, our parents, and our outstanding teachers and support staff that have pulled together to achieve academic success,” said Principal Stephanie AlexanderJohnson.

Garfield Elementary

Garfield Elementary School had a “C” grade in gap closing but a “D” overall.

“We consistently analyzed data and scholar work to identify the areas of focus for daily lessons so we

could effectively close the gaps,” said Principal Megan Young.

Helen Steiner Rice Elementary

Helen Steiner Rice Elementary earned a “B”in progress, “B” in gap closing and “C” overall.

“Every day at HSR, you can see many of our staff members going above and beyond what is expected of them and even what was asked of them,” said Principal Evan Palo. “This might include relationship building before school or during lunch, staying late to lesson plan. It would include tutoring after school, creating individual plans to allow students to be successful, or it may be the staff member to always bring a smile to others.”

Washington Elementary

Washington Elementary earned a “B” in progress, “B” in gap closing and “C” overall.

“We attribute our tremendous progress on the OST to Washington’s dedicated staff and the high expectations they set for our scholars,” said Principal Supriya Culliton, referring to Ohio State Tests for students.

“The support of our families, parents, and community partnerships was an integral part in allowing our scholars to grow and achieve in their educational journey,” Culliton said. “We are so proud of their accomplishments.”

Longfellow Middle

Longfellow Middle earned a “C” in gap closing and improved a full letter grade to “D” grades in achievement, progress and overall.

“Our development of school culture and environment played a significant role in the performance of all subgroups of students,” said Principal Andy Hoffman. “Longfellow’s culture of care and emphasis on building relationships with scholars and families led to a drastic reduction in the number of suspensions and overall loss of instructional minutes ultimately leading to academic gains.

“Longfellow’s success academically should be heavily attributed to the work that was done on a daily basis to provide scholars a safe and engaging school environment.”

Southview Middle

Southview Middle earned a “C” in progress and a “D” overall.

“Southview Middle School staff is invested in seeing all students achieve academic growth,” said Principal Tim Jama. “Our staff deserves credit for this improvement on the progress component of the state report card.

“The staff at (Southview Middle School) takes a team approach every day, and they do a great job at making sure all students feel supported and work towards reaching their full academic potential.”

The school statement focused on the state category of gap closing, which improved for Lorain Schools from an overall “F” to an overall “B.”