According to the Howard County school system?s recently released 2004-05 annual report, more than 90 percent of students from the class of 2005 graduated from high school. The students achieved the highest composite SAT score in the state.
But the news isn?t all good.
The school system?s minority student groups continue to lag behind their white counterparts on standardized tests, such as the High School Assessments. Students must pass exams in English, biology, government and algebra to graduate from high school.
The report noted that all of the county?s schools made progress toward proficiency in reading and math as part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which states students nationwide must achieve the goal by the 2013-14 school year.
Still, some student groups need more help.
“Data shows that efforts [to improve test scores] must intensify with all student groups, especially with African-American males, Hispanic students and students receiving special education services or services for English language learners,” the report stated.
“Our goal is to close that gap, and we?re moving in the right direction,” said Superintendent Sydney Cousin. “We have students from 88 different nations who speak 70 different languages.”
“We?re focused like a laser beam on … academic performance,” said School Board Chairman Joshua Kaufman.
The school system offers tutoring and other support for students who are working “below grade level,” said Robert Glascock, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
“We set our standards high, and we closely monitor the progress of all students,” he said.
The annual report also includes information about the school system?s financial standing.
During fiscal 2005, the school system?s operating budget totaled $461.1 million, an increase of $39.8 million or 7.8 percent over fiscal 2004.
Report details
The Howard County school system?s 2004-05 annual report states:
» 93.8 percent of students graduated in 2005
» Composite SAT score of 1113 is up 16 points from 2004 and is the highest in the school system?s history and the highest in Maryland
