Updated: 9/13/24 at 7 p.m.
We discovered this afternoon after we sent our email regarding the Local Report Card ratings that the district received three stars for Progress and five stars for Gap Closing. Between Tuesday and today, the state changed the numbers and we did not catch it. Superintendent Cogan has a call into the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce about the change.
Our overall rating is still 4.5 out of 5 which exceeds state standards. This is an outstanding achievement and reflects the dedication and hard word of our students, teachers, and staff.
Below is a graphic of our ratings for your review. As we move forward, we will build on these achievements and continue striving for excellence in all areas of our educational program. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child's education.
Independence Local Schools has once again demonstrated its commitment to educational excellence in the recently released 2024 Ohio School Report Cards. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) assessment showcases the district's strengths across multiple areas, with Independence achieving top ratings in several key components. While this report card offers valuable insights, it only represents a portion of the district’s comprehensive educational approach.
(5 Stars is the highest rating)
Overall Rating (4.5 Stars) - The Overall rating is calculated by a weighted formula of all other rated components.
Achievement (5 Stars) - The Achievement Component measures students academic achievement using each level of performance on Ohio's State Tests and End of Course Exams.
Progress (3 Stars) - The Progress Component measures the academic performance of students compared to expected growth on Ohio's State Tests and End of Course Exams. The district is reviewing its PreK-12 curriculum this school year and will align it to address any gaps.
Gap Closing (5 Stars) - The Gap Closing component shows how well schools are meeting the performance expectations for our students in English language arts, math, and graduation. It also measures how schools are doing in supporting English learners to increase language proficiency, reducing chronic absenteeism for all students, and identifying gifted students and providing gifted services.
Graduation (5 Stars) - The Graduation Component is a measure of the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate and the five-year adjusted cohort graduation rate.
Early Literacy (5 Stars) - The Early Literacy Component is a measure of reading improvement and proficiency for students in kindergarten through third grade based on diagnostic assessments and the Ohio State Test for English Language Arts in grade 3.
College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness (Not rated this year) - The College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness Component measures how well-prepared Ohio's students are for all future opportunities.
The district's success extends beyond these metrics, as evidenced by the upcoming Quality Profile. This in-depth report, to be featured in the fall issue of the Independence Quarterly (IQ) newsletter, will provide a comprehensive overview of the district's achievements, innovative programs, and student successes. Residents can expect to receive this detailed snapshot of Independence Local Schools' daily operations and accomplishments in their mailboxes this October. Superintendent Kelli Cogan encourages the community to review both the state report card and the Quality Profile for a full picture of the district's commitment to nurturing well-rounded, future-ready students.