Community› The Bump Local Boards› Northern California Babies
Northern California Babies
New Discussion

Where to get school district info and scores?

bcb4mebcb4me
in Northern California Babies

Hi Ladies,

I thought it would be simple to look up info about school districts and I'm realizing I have no idea what I'm doing nor do I know what really makes one better than the other!  I know there are tons of teachers plus smart Mommies on here so can you please guide me on where to start?  This will most likely make a difference on where we move to.  Thanks so much!

Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
Report Reply to Post

Re: Where to get school district info and scores?

  • mrscerruti2bemrscerruti2be member
    I've used www.greatschools.org
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • kated81kated81

    Hi!

    I'm generally a lurker but I know all about this so here goes:

    Go to each district's website and look for the link for their "School Accountability Report Cards" or "SARC". You may have to go to each individual school's website to view the report card but these reports contain very valuable information including test scores, information on class sizes and demographics, facilities, textbooks, school safety and more. Schools are required to post a SARC by February 1st of each year so ideally they should have the most recent one posted already.

     Good luck!

    Report Reply
  • bcb4mebcb4me
    Thanks to both of you!
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • maryh01maryh01

    You can also search test scores for districts and specific schools from the CA Dept of Ed. website here:

    https://star.cde.ca.gov/star2010/SearchPanel.asp?lstTestYear=2010&lstTestType=C&lstCounty=31&lstDistrict=75085-000&lstSchool=6031215&lstGroup=10&lstSubGroup=1 

    image
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • skirbyskirby

    Yes, the "School Accountability Report Cards" or "SARC" has lots of info. I would be very leery of judging a school or district by it's test scores though, there are many more valuable things to look for. The standardized tests are really surfacy, and if a district has too much emphasis on test scores, the students are missing a well rounded education.  I have seen some schools stop teaching science and social studies (and even the all important writing) so they can do LOTS of bubble test prep, this is not good for kids.

    In these tough budget times, I think I would look and see if the district was able to keep art, physical education, and music teachers. Once you find an area you like, visit the school website and look at their calendar - what things are they doing, do they have family learning nights or other things that they offer? What makes them unique? I would also recommend visiting the office and getting a feel for the school climate.

    Due to the budget, some schools have already had their enrollment cutoffs for August (the districts are trying to max out every classroom so there is no waste). So if you have a school age child and are planning to start in the Fall, this is something to think about. There is a chance your child will not get into the neighborhood school this next year. 

    Most importantly, call your legislators and tell them you think schools need to be funded - they are working on the budget right now, and if they keep taking money away, so many amazing programs will keep disappearing. 

    Good luck! 

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • bcb4mebcb4me
    imageskirby:

    In these tough budget times, I think I would and see if the district was able to keep art, physical education, and music teachers?

     VERY important to me.  Hubby's passion is music and I'm a deisgner so very good point!  Thanks for all the info!

     

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"