Schools struggle to meet federal standards

While California schools struggle financially, they are also dealing with a confusing array of state and federal standards that are often in conflict.

The California Department of Education last week released the results of statewide examinations given last spring that show Petaluma and Sonoma County schools performing well according to state standards, but not performing up to federal standards, with some schools highly ranked by the state "failing," according to federal standards.

According to the test scores, Corona Creek Elementary School in the Waugh School District has a 939 Academic Performance Index score (with 1,000 being the highest possible score), the best in Petaluma and second best in Sonoma County. It is also a whopping 57 point improvement over the previous year. Yet, according to federal standards as outlined in the No Child Left Behind Law, Corona Creek is a failing school and if it continues to fail to meet escalating federal standards, could face sanctions.

The Corona Creek quandary, while extreme, is one that is being experienced by schools throughout Petaluma, Sonoma County and the state.

While 59 percent of Sonoma County schools reached or exceeded the state's 800 API performance target, only 27 percent met all federal Adequate Yearly Progress standards.

AYP criteria require that all students in all subgroups test proficient in English-language arts and mathematics. Subgroups include English learners and students with disabilities. This year's target is 78 to 79 percent proficient in each subgroup. By 2014, 100 percent of all students in all subgroups must grade proficient, considered an impossible goal.

Bob Cmelak, superintendent of the Waugh School District and principal of Corona Creek, points out that not only did Corona Creek have the second highest API score in the county, but the district's Meadow Creek School scored 914 and yet, it too, could be placed on Program Improvement status next year.

"It is very confusing and very concerning," he said. "I think Waugh is the No. 1 district in all Sonoma County (in API scores), and we're still labeled Program Improvement due to our subgroups.

"In two years, every school in California will be failing unless something is changed."

While concerned about the federal rating, Cmelak was extremely pleased with the district's API scores.

"It is a credit to a child-centered school board, dedicated teachers, hard-working support staff and incredible support from the community," he said.

He also had a big thank you for the Petaluma Education Foundation, whose grants helped bring technology to the district.

"The technology we were able to get through PEF grants were the difference maker," he said. "We now have document cameras in every classroom at Corona Creek thanks to a PEF grant."

Old Adobe School Superintendent Cindy Pilar said it is difficult to understand how schools can succeed on the state level and yet be failing according to federal standards.

"We meet the state standard and are gaining ground and we still get sanctioned by the federal government," she observed. "It is very difficult to meet all the criteria, particularly for English learners. If you miss one subgroup you receive sanctions."

She pointed out that Miwok Valley showed a 19-point improvement in its API score and still failed to meet the federal standards.

Among Petaluma City Schools, Grant Elementary continued to have the top API mark, a 918, up six points from the previous testing period.

Among the elementary schools missing the 800 API threshold were McDowell at 786, but with an impressive 18 point improvement, and McKinley with a 776, but with a whopping 33 point improvement.

However, the district is on the Program Improvement list.

Petaluma Schools Superintendent Steve Bolman said that he expects the No Child Left Behind standards to be modified.

"They are long overdue for a change," he said. "It will be impossible for every child in every subgroup to meet the standards.

Bolman pointed out that the No Child Left Behind standards did serve a purpose.

"It brought attention to the significant subgroups schools have and we have made major progress in addressing (their) needs," he explained.

(Contact John Jackson at johnie.jackson@argus courier.com)