A dozen Des Moines schools on Iowa's low-performance list
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A dozen Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) were among the state's lowest performing in a list released this week by the Iowa Department of Education.
Why it matters: This is the first year the online report cards have used a new state system that includes indicators like proficiency in core academics and chronic absenteeism.
- State officials say this system provides more reliable and fairer school accountability.
- The ranking also places the schools on an improvement plan, providing students with additional support.
By the numbers: Iowa has 377 schools listed this year for targeted support and improvement based on achievement gaps in certain groups of students, such as those eligible for free and reduced-price meals or English learners.
- Metro districts include Ankeny, DMPS, Norwalk, Urbandale, Waukee and WDM.
Zoom in: Thirty-five were listed on the state's "comprehensive/extended" support list, representing the lowest performing 5% of all Title 1 public schools and those with low graduation rates.
- That includes East, North and Lincoln high schools; Hiatt, Hoyt, Weeks, Harding and Goodrell middle schools; Studebaker, Brubaker and King elementary schools; and the district's virtual campus.
Yes, but: More than a dozen DMPS schools have improved in recent years.
- Carver and Edmunds elementary schools, for example, went from receiving the highest level of support three years ago to being altogether removed from the latest list, superintendent Ian Roberts said at a school board meeting Tuesday.
Context: DMPS is the largest district in the state and serves among the highest percentage of low-income and minority students, including English language learners.
What they're saying: The district recognizes there is much work ahead but will "stop at nothing until 100% of our schools no longer have such a designation," Roberts said.