News release
An analysis of state test scores ranks the William S. Hart High School District eighth in the state and No. 2 in Southern California, the district announced in a news release.
Each spring, students across California take Smarter Balanced exams, part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress system. These assessments measure student proficiency in state-adopted academic standards. The results provide data to ensure students are on track, identify knowledge gaps, and monitor progress. They inform instruction and guide district decision making.
And they provide one measure of the performance of schools, districts, and the state as a whole, the district’s release said.
Among California’s 1,015 public school districts are 76 high school districts, specializing in secondary education and preparing students for college and career.
A comparison of high school districts used the combined percentage of students who met or exceeded state standards in English language arts and math. Since most high school districts serve grades 9-12, the rankings reflect 11th grade scores, which is the only grade tested in high school, the release said.
“The combined ranking places the Hart District eighth in the state and second in Southern California,” the release said. “With an impressive 75.44% of students meeting or exceeding standards in ELA, the Hart district surpasses even some of the highest-performing districts in literacy. And its math score is higher than roughly 80% of high school districts statewide.”
Seven of the top 10 California high school districts are located in the tech-focused Bay Area, an area where school funding is frequently supplemented by local parcel taxes, the release said.
“The Hart district is home to award-winning teachers, including numerous County Teachers of the Year and two California State Teachers of the Year, who are deeply dedicated to student achievement and well-being,” the release said. “Beyond the classroom, Hart district’s arts, athletics and extracurricular programs are recognized regionally, statewide and nationally – earning CIF championships, artistic accolades, and top honors in student performance. And we are especially proud of our exceptional academics that challenge and prepare our students to excel on whatever path they choose to follow.”
