School Accountability Report Card Reported for School Year 2007-08 Published During 2008-09

Executive Summary School Accountability Report Card, 2007-08

Ralston Intermediate School
Address:  2675 Ralston Ave., Belmont, CA  94002-1216  Phone:  650-637-4880  
Principal:  Jennifer  Kollmann  Grade Span:  6  - 8  

This executive summary of the School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is intended to provide parents and community members with a quick snapshot of school accountability. The data presented in this report are reported for the 2007-08 school year, except the School Finances and School Completion data that are reported for the 2006-07 school year. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should review the entire SARC or contact the school principal or the district office. 


About This School

 
Ralston Middle School is the cornerstone of the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District. Five elementary schools send their students to Ralston and, as a result, the student body is a true reflection of the diversity of this small mid-Peninsula community. With 790 students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades, Ralston teaches students with a wide range of ability who represent a wonderful spectrum of cultures and nationalities.


Student Enrollment 

Group  Enrollment 
Number of students  790 
African American  3.42  %
American Indian or Alaska Native  0.13  %
Asian  18.35  %
Filipino  2.53  %
Hispanic or Latino  9.24  %
Pacific Islander  1.65  %
White (not Hispanic)  56.58  %
Multiple or No Response  8.1  %
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged  5  %
English Learners  3  %
Students with Disabilities  14  %


Teachers 

Indicator  Teachers 
Teachers with full credential  34 
Teachers without full credential  0 
Teachers Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence  8 
Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners  0 
Total Teacher Misassignments   0 

School Facilities 

Summary of Most Recent Site Inspection 

Ralston Middle School has regular fire and safety inspections by the Belmont San Carlos Fire Department and health inspections by the San Mateo County Health Department. We welcome their input and implement their suggestions.

Cleaning Standards: The District has adopted cleaning standards for each school, and a copy of these is available in the principal’s office. The principal works daily with the custodial staff to develop and implement cleaning practices that ensure a clean and safe school campus.

Maintenance and Repair: District maintenance staff, assisted as necessary by outside contractors, keeps the school in good repair. Work orders are completed in a timely manner, and tracked on a computerized system of record keeping, which also allows priority to be assigned to emergency repairs.


Repairs Needed 
One indoor fountain and outside electrical cage needs repair. Roof areas show some wear and damage and need replacement.

Corrective Actions Taken or Planned 
One drinking fountain was replaced during the 2007-2008 school year. The electrical cage was completely replaced in the summer of 2008. The roofs will be replaced in the future.


Curriculum and Instructional Materials 

Core Curriculum Areas  Pupils Who Lack Textbooks and Instructional Materials 
Reading/Language Arts  0%
Mathematics  0%
Science  0%
History-Social Science  0%
Foreign Language  0%
Health  0%
Visual and Performing Arts  N/A

School Finances 

Level  Expenditures Per Pupil (Unrestricted Sources Only) 
School Site  $6,970
District  $7,572
State   $4,943

Student Performance 

Subject  Students Proficient and Above on California Standards Tests 
English-Language Arts  74%
Mathematics  67%
Science  70%
History-Social Science  59%


Academic Progress 

Indicator  Result 
2008 Growth API Score (from 2008 Growth API Report)  849  
Statewide Rank (from 2007 Base API Report)  10  
2008-09 Program Improvement Status (PI Year)  Not in PI


School Completion 

Indicator  Result 
Graduation Rate  100%



2007-08 School Accountability Report Card Report (SARC)

The School Accountability Report Card (SARC), which is required by law to be published annually, contains information about the condition and performance of each California public school. More information about SARC requirements is available at the California Department of Education (CDE) Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/sa/. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should contact the school principal or the district office.

I. Data and Access 

DataQuest 

DataQuest is an online data tool located at http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/ that contains additional information about this school and comparisons of the school to the district, the county, and the state. Specifically, DataQuest is a dynamic system that provides reports for accountability (e.g. Academic Performance Index [API], Adequate Yearly Progress [AYP]), test data, enrollment, graduates, dropouts, course enrollments, staffing, and data regarding English learners.  

Internet Access 

Internet access is available at public libraries and other locations that are publicly accessible (e.g., the California State Library). Access to the Internet at libraries and public locations is generally provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Other use restrictions include the hours of operation, the length of time that a workstation may be used (depending on availability), the types of software programs available on a workstation, and the ability to print documents.  

II. About This School 

Contact Information (School Year 2008-09) 

This section provides the schools contact information. 

School  District 
School Name  Ralston Intermediate   District Name  Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary  
Street  2675 Ralston Ave.   Phone Number  650-637-4800  
City, State, Zip  Belmont, CA  94002-1216  Web Site  www.belmont.k12.ca.us 
Phone Number  650-637-4880   Superintendent  Emerita  Orta-Camilleri 
Principal  Jennifer  Kollmann  E-mail Address   EOrta-Camilleri@belmont.k12.ca.us
E-mail Address  jkollmann@belmont.k12.ca.us CDS Code 41-68866-6043483 


School Description and Mission Statement (School Year 2007-08) 

This section provides information about the school’s goals and programs. 

The School Community
Ralston Middle School, located in the City of Belmont on the peninsula south of San Francisco, is the only middle school in the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District. Students in 8th grade are promoted to the Sequoia Union High School District. Most of the students from Ralston attend Carlmont High School, although some go on to private high schools or other high schools in the Sequoia High School district.

The Ralston School community consists of families for whom education is a priority. The school is the hub of the community for many of these parents. Families enthusiastically support the Parent Teacher Association, School Site Council, School Force and countless volunteer activities and projects.
 
Mission and Goals
Ralston Middle School provides a highly academic and nurturing environment where all students, parents and staff pursue academic excellence and participate fully in the life of the school.
The Ralston School Mission Statement, developed by staff, parents and student representatives to our School Site Council, serves as a framework for our school’s goals and priorities. This spirit of partnership pervades all that we do at Ralston.

Ralston’s primary mission is to provide a challenging instructional program that focuses on the diverse needs of middle school students. Together, as a staff and community, we have the capacity to present academic programs that are rich and compelling, supported by the structure of California State Content Standards, and the resources necessary to create student-centered classrooms. Students are engaged in a highly creative elective program that provides enrichment opportunities for all levels of learners. In addition, Ralston students score in the 90th percentile for fitness, far surpassing the average score in California.
Ralston School is characterized by:

  • A safe, orderly, attractive campus
  • A rigorous academic core curriculum
  • A rich elective program
  • A strong student support system
  • A wide range of extracurricular activities
  • A firm commitment to technology in the classroom
  • A dedicated and competent professional staff
  • A supportive and involved parent community
  • An energetic, enthusiastic, and highly capable student body
  • A deep commitment to community service

 

 

Opportunities for Parental Involvement (School Year 2007-08) 

This section provides information about opportunities for parents to become involved with school activities.  
  • After School Clubs
  • Assemblies
  • Classroom field trips
  • 8th grade graduation party
  • Hot Lunch Program
  • Magazine Drive
  • Monetary gifts
  • Multicultural Fair
  • Music Boosters
  • Parent Education
  • Program Development
  • Safety Committee
  • School Dances
  • School Force
  • Spring Fling
  • Technology assistance


Student Enrollment by Grade Level (School Year 2007-08) 

This table displays the number of students enrolled in each grade level at the school. 

Grade Level  Number of Students 
Grade 6  267 
Grade 7  281 
Grade 8  242 
Total Enrollment  790 


Student Enrollment by Group (School Year 2007-08) 

This table displays the percent of students enrolled at the school who are identified as being in a particular group. 

Group  Percent of Total Enrollment 
African American  3.42  %
American Indian or Alaska Native  0.13  %
Asian  18.35  %
Filipino  2.53  %
Hispanic or Latino  9.24  %
Pacific Islander  1.65  %
White (not Hispanic)  56.58  %
Multiple or No Response  8.1  %
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged  5  %
English Learners  3  %
Students with Disabilities  14  %



Average Class Size and Class Size Distribution (Secondary) 

This table displays by subject area the average class size and the number of classrooms that fall into each size category (a range of total students per classroom). 

Subject  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
Avg. Class Size  Number of Classrooms  Avg. Class Size  Number of Classrooms  Avg. Class Size  Number of Classrooms 
1-22  23-32  33+  1-22  23-32  33+  1-22  23-32  33+ 
English  21.8  16  30    24.9  12  33    26.2  7  29  2 
Mathematics  23.4  11  22    25.7  7  20  2  27.1  2  24  1 
Science  26.3    30    26.3  1  29    26.4  3  25   
Social Science  25.6  5  26    26.7  1  28    25.9  2  28   


III. School Climate 

School Safety Plan (School Year 2007-08) 

This section provides information about the school's comprehensive safety plan. 

In order to provide students with a safe school that maintains a positive climate for learning, Ralston Middle School staff has a multifaceted approach to safety.

The Board of Trustees Board Policy requires the school to maintain an updated Disaster Preparedness plan, which covers emergencies such as earthquakes, fire, bomb threats, or other disturbances. The plan includes emergency phone numbers, roles for staff members, and procedures to ensure student safety. An outbuilding, which contains emergency supplies, has been equipped and maintained by the PTA. During 2006-07, food supplies and water were replaced. Ralston staff members participate in the Belmont Safe Schools program and (School Safety Committee), attending meetings and taking part in simulations to develop and keep our safety plans current. A School Resource Officer from the Belmont Police Department works with the school's administration to maintain a safe and secure campus. Emergency Response lists and Emergency phone trees are updated yearly.

Students are advised of the Sexual Harassment policy and the policy regarding bullying, in order to prevent incidents and keep the school emotionally safe for all. Staff members regularly address issues of concern about bullying. A Safe Schools Ambassadors program helps all students understand and value a variety of cultures.


Suspensions and Expulsions 

This table displays the rate of suspensions and expulsions (the total number of incidents divided by the total enrollment) at the school and district levels for the most recent three-year period. 

Rate  School  District 
2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
Suspensions  11.2   12.4   20.0  4.0   4.3   6.0  
Expulsions  0.3   0.1   0.001   0.1   0.0   0.04  


IV. School Facilities 

Facility Conditions and Planned Improvements (School Year 2008-09) 

This section provides information about the condition of the school’s grounds, buildings, and restrooms, and a description of any planned or recently completed facility improvements. 

Age of Buildings: This school has 46 classrooms, 2 music rooms, a library, a multipurpose room, a gymnasium, girls’ and boys’ locker rooms, and administrative offices (in 2007-2008). The main buildings were constructed in 1954, and modernized in 2003. Four portable classrooms were installed on the campus in 2000.

Cleaning Standards: The District has adopted cleaning standards for each school, and a copy of these is available in the principal’s office. The principal works daily with the custodial staff to develop and implement cleaning practices that ensure a clean and safe school campus.

Maintenance and Repair: District maintenance staff, assisted as necessary by outside contractors, keeps the school in good repair. Work orders are completed in a timely manner, and tracked on a computerized system of record keeping, which also allows priority to be assigned to emergency repairs.

Complaints and Reports of Conditions Requiring Remedy: Each classroom contains a notice regarding the availability of complaint or report of unsafe condition forms, which can be found in the principal’s office. The District uses the Uniform Complaint Process (per Board Policy) in responding to all filed complaints.

Of the 46 classrooms at Ralston during the 2007-2008 school year, 34 classrooms are used for regular instruction. Specialized classrooms are available for science, computer lab, industrial technology, culinary arts, and music. In addition, there are two new Science buildings that house 4 labs for 7th and 8th grades, and a new gymnasium.

Every classroom has at least one computers connected to the Internet. The library is equipped with 5 computers with Internet access for student and teacher use. Three classrooms are equipped as multimedia classrooms. The PTA purchased 5 LCD document camera/projectors for teacher use, additional computers and printers. In the spring of 1998, Ralston Middle School was awarded a Sun Microsystems Java grant for $100,000 of equipment and technology training. During the 2004-05 school year, PTA purchased 25 classroom computers. There are two full time computer labs with over 25 computers in each room.

During the summer of 2008, the music buildings will receive many major renovations with HVAC, remodeling and acoustical enhancements. The Multi purpose room will be equipped with a new ADA compliant elevator chair lift. All lunch tables will be replaced with new safe pullout tables in the Multi purpose room.  The interior of the hallways will be painted, approximately 10 classrooms will receive new carpeting and our electrical cage in the courtyard will be completely replaced in the summer of 2008.  


School Facility Good Repair Status (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays the results of the most recently completed school site inspection to determine the school facility’s good repair status. 

Item Inspected  Repair Status  Repair Needed and Action Taken or Planned 
Good  Fair  Poor 
Gas Leaks  X      
Mechanical Systems  X      
Windows/Doors/Gates (interior and exterior)  X      
Interior Surfaces (walls, floors, and ceilings)  X      
Hazardous Materials (interior and exterior)  X      
Structural Damage  X      
Fire Safety  X      
Electrical (interior and exterior)  X      
Pest/Vermin Infestation  X      
Drinking Fountains (inside and outside)  X     One drinking fountain near Room 25 needs to be repaired
Restrooms  X     Ventilation needs to be fixed by Room 15
Sewer  X      
Playground/School Grounds  X      
Roofs    X   Need repair in the near future
Overall Cleanliness  X      


Overall Summary of School Facility Good Repair Status (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays the overall summary of the results of the most recently completed school site inspection. 

Item Inspected  Facility Condition 
Exemplary  Good  Fair  Poor 
Overall Summary    X    


V. Teachers 

Teacher Credentials 

This table displays the number of teachers assigned to the school with a full credential, without a full credential, and those teaching outside of their subject area of competence. Detailed information about teacher qualifications can be found at the DataQuest Web site at http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/. 

Teachers  School  District 
2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2007-08 
With Full Credential  39  38  34  137 
Without Full Credential  1  0  0  2 
Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence  9  5  8  N/A 


Teacher Misassignments and Vacant Teacher Positions 

This table displays the number of teacher misassignments (teachers assigned without proper legal authorization) and the number of vacant teacher positions (not filled by a single designated teacher assigned to teach the entire course at the beginning of the school year or semester). Note: Total Teacher Misassignments includes the number of Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners. 

Indicator  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners   0  0  0 
Total Teacher Misassignments   0  0  0 
Vacant Teacher Positions  0  0  0 


Core Academic Classes Taught by No Child Left Behind Compliant Teachers (School Year 2006-07) 

This table displays the percent of classes in core academic subjects taught by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) compliant and non-NCLB compliant teachers at the school, at all schools in the district, at high-poverty schools in the district, and at low-poverty schools in the district. More information on teacher qualifications required under NCLB can be found at the NCLB Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/nclb/sr/tq/. 

Location of Classes  Percent of Classes In Core Academic Subjects 
Taught by NCLB Compliant Teachers  Taught by Non-NCLB Compliant Teachers 
This School   100.0  0.0 
All Schools in District   99.2  0.8 
High-Poverty Schools in District  0  0 
Low-Poverty Schools in District  99.2  0.8 


VI. Support Staff 

Academic Counselors and Other Support Staff (School Year 2007-08) 

This table displays, in units of full-time equivalents (FTE), the number of academic counselors and other support staff who are assigned to the school and the average number of students per academic counselor. One FTE equals one staff member working full time; one FTE could also represent two staff members who each work 50 percent of full time. 

Title  Number of FTE Assigned to School  Average Number of Students per Academic Counselor 
Academic Counselor  1.0  790 
Library Media Teacher (Librarian)    N/A 
Library Media Services Staff (paraprofessional)  .875  N/A 
Psychologist  0.6  N/A 
Social Worker    N/A 
Nurse    N/A 
Speech/Language/Hearing Specialist  0.4  N/A 
Resource Specialist (non-teaching)  2.0  N/A 
Other    N/A 


VII. Curriculum and Instructional Materials 

Quality, Currency, Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays information about the quality, currency, and availability of the standards-aligned textbooks and other instructional materials used at the school, and information about the school’s use of any supplemental curriculum or non-adopted textbooks or instructional materials. 

Core Curriculum Area  Quality, Currency, and Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials  Percent of Pupils Who Lack Their Own Assigned Textbooks and Instructional Materials 
Reading/Language Arts  Prentice Hall:
Literature, California Edition
McDougal Littell:
The Language of Literature 		0%
Mathematics  HOLT California:
Course 1: Numbers to Algebra
HOLT California:
Course 2: Pre-Algebra
HOLT California:
Algebra 1
McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin: Geometry for Enjoyment and Challenge		 0%
Science  Holt, Rinehart and Winston:
Holt California Science Earth, Life and Physical Science
for Grades 6th through 8th 		0%
History-Social Science  6: McDougal Littell: McDougal Littell California Middle School Social Studies Series
7: Teacher's Curriculum Institute: History Alive! California Middle School Program.
8: Glenco/McGraw-Hill: Glencoe Discovering Our Past		 0%
Foreign Language  N/A N/A
Health 

Glenco/McGraw-Hill: Teen Health

Plus materials from the American Heart Association and the National Dairy Council

 0%
Visual and Performing Arts  N/A N/A


VIII. School Finances 

Expenditures Per Pupil and School Site Teacher Salaries (Fiscal Year 2006-07)  

This table displays a comparison of the school’s per pupil expenditures from unrestricted (basic) sources with other schools in the district and throughout the state, and a comparison of the average teacher salary at the school site with average teacher salaries at the district and state levels. Detailed information regarding school expenditures can be found at the Current Expense of Education Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/fd/ec/ and teacher salaries can be found on the Certificated Salaries and Benefites Web apge at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/fd/cs/. 

Level  Total Expenditures Per Pupil  Expenditures Per Pupil (Supplemental)  Expenditures Per Pupil (Basic)  Average Teacher Salary 
School Site  $8,048 $1,078 $6,970 $84,387
District  N/A  N/A  $7,572 $87,210 
Percent Difference – School Site and District  N/A  N/A  92% 97%
State  N/A  N/A  $4,943  $61,488 
Percent Difference – School Site and State  N/A  N/A  141% 137%


Types of Services Funded (Fiscal Year 2007-08) 

This section provides information about the programs and supplemental services that are available at the school and funded through either categorical or other sources. 
  • Regular Education
  • After School Sports
  • Class Size Reduction
  • Community Day School
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Homework Centers
  • Music
  • Outdoor Education
  • Summer School
  • School Force
  • Local Grants
Special Programs
  • Home to School Transportation
  • County Sp Ed
  • Psychologists
  • Speech
  • SP Ed IDEA
  • RSP, SDC & NPS
  • Teachers
  • Classified Staff
  • Benefits
  • Books & Supplies
  • Dist Block Grant
  • Drug Free/Title IV
  • Equipment
  • Food Services
  • Health Services
  • Teacher Quality
  • Title I
  • Title II
  • Title III
  • Title III not LEA
  • Title V
  • Title VI
  • School Safety Violence Prevention
  • Services
  • National Board Certified Teachers
  • BTSA
  • Staff Development
  • Arts Ed Partnership
  • Classroom Library
  • Economic Impact Aid (EIA)
  • Ed. Technology
  • Gifted And Talented Education (GATE)
  • Instructional Materials
  • Instructional Mat/Staff Buyout
  • Instructional Materials for Realignment Program (IMFRP)
  • Lottery Prop 20
  • Oracle Grant
  • Public School Library
  • School Safety
  • School Improvement Library Program (SLIP)
  • Standards Based
  • Tobacco Use Preventions Education
  • Tolerance Ed
  • TUPE Elementary

Teacher and Administrative Salaries (Fiscal Year 2006-07)

This table displays district-level salary information for teachers, principals, and superintendents, and compares these figures to the state averages for districts of the same type and size. The table also displays teacher and administrative salaries as a percent of a district's budget, and compares these figures to the state averages for districts of the same type and size. Detailed information regarding salaries may be found on the Certificated Salaries and Benefits Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/fd/cs/.

Category District Amount State Average For Districts In Same Category
Beginning Teacher Salary $36,793 $39,773 
Mid-Range Teacher Salary $68,110  $61,167 
Highest Teacher Salary $87,974  $78,093 
Average Principal Salary (Elementary) $117,855  $97,851 
Average Principal Salary (Middle) $121,553  $102,064 
Average Principal Salary (High) N/A  N/A 
Superintendent Salary $160,000  $140,582 
Percent of Budget for Teacher Salaries 0.4 % 0.4 %
Percent of Budget for Administrative Salaries 0.0 % 0.0 %


IX. Student Performance 

California Standards Tests 

The California Standards Tests (CSTs) show how well students are doing in relation to the state content standards. The CSTs include English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 2 through 11; science in grades 5, 8, and 9 through 11; and history-social science in grades 8, and 10 through 11. Student scores are reported as performance levels. Detailed information regarding CST results for each grade and performance level, including the percent of students not tested, can be found on the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Results Web page at http://star.cde.ca.gov. Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student. 

CST Results for All Students - Three-Year Comparison 

This table displays the percent of students achieving at the Proficient or Advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standards). 

Subject  School  District  State 
2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
English-Language Arts  68   70   74  70   73   75  42   43   46 
Mathematics  66   61   67  73   73   75  40   40   43 
Science  59   64   70  59   68   78  35   38   46 
History-Social Science  63   65   59  63   65   59  33   33   36 


CST Results by Student Group – Most Recent Year 

This table displays the percent of students, by group, achieving at the Proficient or Advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standards) for the most recent testing period. 

Group  Percent of Students Scoring at Proficient or Advanced 
English-Language Arts  Mathematics  Science  History-Social Science 
African American  50  38  *  * 
American Indian or Alaska Native  *  *  *  * 
Asian  85  84  88  80 
Filipino  70  60  *  * 
Hispanic or Latino  41  35  30  33 
Pacific Islander  64  43  *  * 
White (not Hispanic)  78  68  76  60 
Male  70  70  72  62 
Female  79  62  68  57 
Economically Disadvantaged  31  40  22  22 
English Learners  10  25  *  * 
Students with Disabilities         
Students Receiving Migrant Education Services  *  *     


California Physical Fitness Test Results (School Year 2007-08) 

The California Physical Fitness Test is administered to students in grades 5, 7, and 9 only. This table displays by grade level the percent of students meeting the healthy fitness zone on all six fitness standards for the most recent testing period. Detailed information regarding this test, and comparisons of a school’s test results to the district and state levels, may be found on the Physical Fitness Testing Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf/. http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf/. Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.  

Grade Level  Percent of Students Meeting Healthy Fitness Zones 
5  * 
7  78.5% 
9  * 


X. Accountability 

Academic Performance Index 

The Academic Performance Index (API) is an annual measure of the academic performance and progress of schools in California. API scores range from 200 to 1,000, with a statewide target of 800. Detailed information about the API can be found at the API Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ap/. 

API Ranks – Three-Year Comparison 

This table displays the school’s statewide and similar schools API ranks. These ranks are published when the Base API is released each March. The statewide API rank ranges from 1 to 10. A statewide rank of 1 means that the school has an API score in the lowest 10 percent of all schools in the state, while a statewide rank of 10 means that the school has an API score in the highest 10 percent of all schools in the state. The similar schools API rank reflects how a school compares to 100 statistically matched “similar schools.” A similar schools rank of 1 means that the school’s academic performance is comparable to the lowest performing 10 schools of the 100 similar schools, while a similar schools rank of 10 means that the school’s academic performance is better than at least 90 of the 100 similar schools. 

API Rank  2005  2006  2007 
Statewide  10   10   9  
Similar Schools  5   5   3  

API Changes by Student Group – Three-Year Comparison 

This table displays by student group the actual API changes in points added or lost for the past three years, and the most recent API score. Note: "N/A" means that the student group is not numerically significant. 

Group  Actual API Change  Growth API Score 
2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008 
All Students at the School  13   -9   24   873  
African American         
American Indian or Alaska Native         
Asian  12   -13   4   937  
Filipino         
Hispanic or Latino         
Pacific Islander         
White (not Hispanic)  19   -14   22   883  
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged         
English Learners         
Students with Disabilities        732  


Adequate Yearly Progress 

The federal NCLB act requires that all schools and districts meet the following Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) criteria: 
  • Participation rate on the state's standards-based assessments in English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics
  • Percent proficient on the state's standards-based assessments in ELA and mathematics
  • API as an additional indicator
  • Graduation rate (for secondary schools)
Detailed information about AYP, including participation rates and percent proficient results by student group, can be found at the AYP Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ay/. 

AYP Overall and by Criteria (School Year 2007-08) 

This table displays an indication of whether the school and the district made AYP overall and whether the school and the district met each of the AYP criteria. 

AYP Criteria  School  District 
Overall  Yes   Yes  
Participation Rate - English-Language Arts  Yes   Yes  
Participation Rate - Mathematics  Yes   Yes  
Percent Proficient - English-Language Arts  Yes   Yes  
Percent Proficient - Mathematics  Yes   Yes  
API  Yes   Yes  
Graduation Rate  N/A   N/A  

Federal Intervention Program (School Year 2008-09)

Schools and districts receiving federal Title I funding enter Program Improvement (PI) if they do not make AYP for two consecutive years in the same content area (English-language arts or mathematics) or on the same indicator (API or graduation rate). After entering PI, schools and districts advance to the next level of intervention with each additional year that they do not make AYP. Detailed information about PI identification can be found at the AYP Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ay/.  
Indicator  School  District 
Program Improvement Status  Not In PI Not In PI
First Year of Program Improvement  N/A N/A
Year in Program Improvement  N/A N/A
Number of Schools Currently in Program Improvement  N/A N/A
Percent of Schools Currently in Program Improvement  N/A N/A


XII. Instructional Planning and Scheduling  


Professional Development 

This section provides information on the annual number of school days dedicated to staff development for the most recent three-year period.  

2005-2006: 2 days dedicated to staff development
2006-2007: 2 days dedicated to staff development
2007-2008: 2 days dedicated to staff development

Staff development activities are determined through a process which begins with the staff identifying needs that are related to the goals identified in the School Improvement Plan. Ralston’s teachers participate in two days of staff development, one before the students return to school and an additional staff development day conducted during the school year.
During minimum days on Wednesdays, teachers received training and professional development in:

  1. Mathematics
  2. Grade Level Collaboration
  3. School safety
  4. Curriculum and Instructional Practices
  5. Integrating Technology
  6. Review of state testing data

Individual staff members participate in additional conferences, workshops and training in specific areas identified in the Single Plan for Student Achievement. Professional development also includes peer coaching, particularly when teachers have specific expertise.  
Our district uses a teacher evaluation program designed by teachers, which incorporates the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).  Teachers use the CSTP to both self-assess their areas of strength and of growth and to collaborate with their colleagues in setting goals. The principal uses CSTP during observations and in the summative evaluation.