State releases letter grades for schools in Yuma County
Yuma students aren’t the only ones getting graded on their academic performance; Yuma’s schools get graded too.
Per A.R.S. 15-241, the Arizona Department of Education, in coordination with the State Board of Education, assigns schools with A-F School Accountability grades measuring year-to-year student academic growth, proficiency on English language arts, math and science, the proficiency and academic growth of English language learners, indicators that an elementary student is ready for success in high school and that high school students are ready to succeed in a career or higher education and high school graduation rates.
On Oct. 31, the 2021-2022 letter grades for Yuma County’s traditional and alternative schools were finally released – a first since the pandemic struck.
Yuma School District One celebrated five A grades and seven B grades, indicating student growth and achievement.
“I am extremely proud of the unwavering dedication of teachers, students and parents who have worked hard so our students can succeed,” District One Superintendent James Sheldahl said. “Through targeted instruction, rigorous curriculum and a supportive learning environment, our students continue to receive the personalized learning they need to be successful.”
Crane School District saw two A grades and five B grades.
For the Gadsden Elementary School District, Desert View Elementary was the most exciting of its three A grades.
“This is our sixth year earning an A label from the state based on our test scores,” said Meredith Nelson, principal of Desert View Elementary. “As well as earning the A ranking we have also received Results Based funding due to our scores being in the top 13 percent in Arizona.”
For the Yuma Union High School District, the new grades reflect improvement from previous years with Vista High School reaching its first B grade, Yuma High School earning a grade seven points short of a B and Gila Ridge High School having
moved 1.32 points away from the A grade cutline.
“While the A-F accountability system is one of many tools we have to make sure our campuses are providing the most effective classroom experience for our students, we are incredibly proud that the grades for the new school year reflect the hard work of our teachers and campus and district leaders,” YUHSD Superintendent Gina Thompson said. “The grades consist of five parts and are informative for the continued improvement of our schools. Our district-wide graduation rate remains one of our proudest data points. We were trending in the right direction four years ago when the grades were last released and we continue to show that improvement was more than a trend. Of course, our work is never done. We will continue to do the ‘right’ work as we prepare every YUHSD student for college, career and community upon graduation.”
Among alternative schools, Desert View Academy was the only one in the county to earn an A.
“I am proud to share that Desert View Academy earned an ‘A’ once again!” Principal Deb Weigel said. “We are very proud.”