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Cambria Heights High School students may choose to attend [[Admiral Peary Vocational-Technical School]] for training in the construction and mechanical trades, as well as other careers.
Cambria Heights High School students may choose to attend [[Admiral Peary Vocational-Technical School]] for training in the construction and mechanical trades, as well as other careers.

The high school serves the communities of: [[Carrolltown, Pennsylvania|Carrolltown]], [[Chest Springs, Pennsylvania|Chest Springs]], [[Hastings, Pennsylvania|Hastings]] and [[Patton, Pennsylvania|Patton]] as well as [[Chest Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania|Chest Township]], [[Clearfield Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania|Clearfield Township]], [[East Carroll Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania|East Carroll Township]], [[Elder Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania|Elder Township]] and [[West Carroll Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania|West Carroll Township]].


'''US News and World Report rating''' In 2014, [[Cambria Heights High School]] was recognized by [[US News and World Report]] as a Bronze level high school in a nationwide school ranking. Among Pennsylvania high schools (traditional, charter and private) 56 achieved gold or silver medals. Another 103 high schools achieved bronze rating out of 698 Pennsylvania high schools reviewed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools |title=High School Overview 2014 |author=US News and World Report |date=April 22, 2014}}</ref> The study was conducted by [[American Institutes for Research]] which examined how many students attained performance levels that exceed statistical expectations given the school's relative level of student poverty, as measured by state accountability test scores for all the school's students in the core subjects of reading and math. The study also examined the success rate for the school's least advantaged student groups (e.g., black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students) that exceed state averages. The study included 752 high schools in Pennsylvania including traditional public schools, public charter schools and public magnet schools.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/pennsylvania/rankings |title=Pennsylvania High Schools Ranking |author=US News and World Report |year=2012}}</ref> In Pennsylvania in 2013, 112 high schools achieved a Bronze rating in 2013; 47 achieved a silver rating and 7 received a gold rating. The highest ranking went to [[Julia R. Masterman School|Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School]] in the [[School District of Philadelphia]] in [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania]].
'''US News and World Report rating''' In 2014, [[Cambria Heights High School]] was recognized by [[US News and World Report]] as a Bronze level high school in a nationwide school ranking. Among Pennsylvania high schools (traditional, charter and private) 56 achieved gold or silver medals. Another 103 high schools achieved bronze rating out of 698 Pennsylvania high schools reviewed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools |title=High School Overview 2014 |author=US News and World Report |date=April 22, 2014}}</ref> The study was conducted by [[American Institutes for Research]] which examined how many students attained performance levels that exceed statistical expectations given the school's relative level of student poverty, as measured by state accountability test scores for all the school's students in the core subjects of reading and math. The study also examined the success rate for the school's least advantaged student groups (e.g., black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students) that exceed state averages. The study included 752 high schools in Pennsylvania including traditional public schools, public charter schools and public magnet schools.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/pennsylvania/rankings |title=Pennsylvania High Schools Ranking |author=US News and World Report |year=2012}}</ref> In Pennsylvania in 2013, 112 high schools achieved a Bronze rating in 2013; 47 achieved a silver rating and 7 received a gold rating. The highest ranking went to [[Julia R. Masterman School|Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School]] in the [[School District of Philadelphia]] in [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania]].
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*2011 - 51% (10% below basic). State - 40%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2010-2011 PSSA results in Science |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref>
*2011 - 51% (10% below basic). State - 40%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2010-2011 PSSA results in Science |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref>
*2010 - 48% (10% below basic). State - 39% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Cambria Heights High School Academic Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010</ref>
*2010 - 48% (10% below basic). State - 39% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Cambria Heights High School Academic Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010</ref>

==College Remediation Rate==
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, '''6% of the Cambria Heights High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading''' before they were prepared to take college level courses in the [[Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education]] or community colleges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2009/01/report_finds_one_third_of_loca.html |title=Report: One-third of local high schoolers unprepared for college |author=Jan Murphy |publisher=Pennlive.com |date=January 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_scmN--D7LbODE2YTBiZWQtOGVhZC00YTFmLWI4YzgtMjliZGI3NDNmZTQy/edit?hl=en&pli=1 |title=Pennsylvania College Remediation Report 2009 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=January 20, 2009}}</ref> Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.<ref>National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2008</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.achieve.org/files/PAGradReqFactSheetFINAL.pdf |title=THE VALUE OF THE COLLEGE- AND CAREER-READY AGENDA IN PENNSYLVANIA |author=Achieve.org |year=2014}}</ref> Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

==Dual enrollment==
Cambria Heights High School offers a [[dual enrollment]] program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Dual Enrollment Guidelines, 2010</ref> Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.patrac.org/ |title=Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement |author=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |date=March 2010}}</ref> Under state rules, other students that reside in the district, who attend a private school, a charter school or are home schooled are eligible to participate in this program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/24901214/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-Dual-Enrollment-Guidelines-2010-2011 |title=Dual Enrollment Guidelines |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2010}}</ref> In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis. Cambria Heights School District received a grant of $4,147 in 2010-11 for the program. At Cambria Heights most dual enrollment courses (with the exception of Microcomputer Applications, Visual Basic Programming, and Anatomy and Physiology I and II) have a weighted credit value of 1.1. The weighted system is used to determine GPA, Class Rank, National Honor Society eligibility, and end of year Academic Banquet awards. Dual Enrollment courses are open only to juniors and seniors. Some courses are offered in association with [[Penn Highlands Community College]].

==Graduation requirements==
Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Cambria Heights School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 24 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in English, math – 3 credits, social studies 3 credits, science – 3 credits, Physical Education and health 2 credits and electives 9 credits. Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency on the Keystone Algebra I, Biology, and Literature exams or demonstrate proficiency on the local assessment (Class of 2016 and 2017) or demonstrate proficiency on a Project-Based Assessment (Class of 2017 and beyond).

Through the class of 2016, students must complete a culminating graduation project as mandated by the state. By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.24.html |title=Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements |author=Pennsylvania State Board of Education}}</ref> Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.<ref>Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Proposed changes to Chapter 4, May 10, 2012</ref>

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in [[Algebra]] I, [[Biology]], and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://static.pdesas.org/Content/Documents/Keystone_Exam_Program_Overview.pdf |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Keystone Exam Overview |year=2010}}</ref> The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/4695967-74/board-students-education#axzz2fcd9tUjG |title=Pennsylvania changing high school graduation requirements |author=Megan Harris |publisher=Tribune Live |date=September 12, 2013}}</ref>

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pdesas.org/module/assessment/Keystone.aspx |title=Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-2/56.html |title=Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4 |author=Pennsylvania State Board of Education |year=2010}}</ref> For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Education Finalizes Adoption of Pennsylvania Common Core State Academic Standards and High School Graduation Requirements, March 14, 2013</ref> In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit – 49% on grade level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/keystone_exams/20436 |title=Keystone Exams |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref> Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP, regardless of their Keystone Exams results.

==Challenge Program==
The Challenge Program offers $250.00 cash incentives to Cambria Heights High School students who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. The program partners with businesses to motivate students both in and out of the classroom by encouraging good habits in students that will last throughout their education and into their future careers. For the 2010-2011 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $250.00.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tcpinc.org/current-partners/ |title=The Challenge Program 2010 |author=Challenge Program Administration |year=2011}}</ref> The school has partnered with C-B-W Schools Federal Credit Union and Highmark to offer the program.

==SAT scores==
In 2014, Cambria Heights School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 476. The Math average score was 479. The Writing average score was 441.<ref>PDE, School Performance profile, November 6, 2014</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_assessment_system/20965/sat_and_act_scores/1339721 |title=SAT and ACT Scores |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2014}}</ref> Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The [[College Board]] also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/sat/PA_14_03_03_01.pdf |title=2014 College-Bound Seniors State Profile Report |author=College Board |year=2014}}</ref>

In 2013, 100 Cambria Heights School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 458. The Math average score was 479. The Writing average score was 439. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://research.collegeboard.org/programs/sat/data/cb-seniors-2013 |title=The 2013 SAT Report on College & Career Readiness |author=College Board |year=2013}}</ref>

In 2012, 73 Cambria Heights School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 478. The Math average score was 495. The Writing average score was 457. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 86 Cambria Heights School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 467. The Math average score was 476. The Writing average score was 445.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/data_and_statistics/7202/sat_and_act_scores/674663 |title=Public School SAT Scores 2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref> Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/policyblog/detail/sat-scores-by-state-2011 |title=SAT Scores State By State – Pennsylvania |author=College Board |date=September 15, 2011}}</ref> In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/while_us_sat_scores_dip_across.html |title=While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady |work=NJ.com |date=September 15, 2011}}</ref>

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania’s SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rural.palegislature.us/news0706.html#8 |title=SAT Scores and Other School Data |author=The Center for Rural Pennsylvania |date=August 2006}}</ref>

==AP Courses==
In 2014, Cambria Heights High School did not offer [[Advanced Placement]] (AP) courses.



==References==
==References==

Revision as of 10:59, 6 July 2015

Cambria Heights High School
Address
Map
426 Glendale Lake Road

Patton
,
Cambria County
,
Pennsylvania
16668

United States
Information
TypePublic
School board9 locally elected members
School districtCambria Heights School District
SuperintendentMichael Strasser, contract July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2019[1] Salary $98,325.00 2012–2013

former superintendent Joseph Macharola (2007–2009)[2]

former superintendent Larry Wess left 2006
AdministratorJames P Sheehan, Business Manager/open records officer

Mr. Diamond, Supervisor of Special Education
Jill M. Little, Psychologist
Ryan Skomra, Tech Coordinator/Network Administrator
Michael Weber, Food Service Director
Robert Gregory, Maintenance Supervisor

Tom Boyle, Athletic Director
PrincipalKenneth Kerchenske, HS
Faculty34 (2014) Average salary $52,045[3] 33.5 teachers 2012[4]
Grades9th–12th
Age14 years old to 21 years old special education
Number of pupils454 pupils (2014-15)[5]

482 pupils (2012–13)[6]
525 pupils (2009-2010)

502 pupils (2006–07)[7]
 • Grade 9114 (2012), 135 (2010)
 • Grade 10101 (2012), 144
 • Grade 11136 (2012), 119
 • Grade 12143 (2012), 127 (2010)
LanguageEnglish
Color(s)Red and blue
MascotHighlander
Per pupil spending$11,834 (2008)
Per pupil spending$12,577.56 (2012)
Websitehttp://www.chsd1.org

Cambria Heights High School is located at 426 Glendale Lake Road in Patton. It is the sole high school Operated by the Cambria Heights School District. In 2014, Cambria Heights High School enrollment was reported as 454 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 32% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 7% of pupils received special education services, while 3% of pupils were identified as gifted. The High School employed 34 teachers.[8] In 2014, per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, the School reported an enrollment of 482 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 142 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2012, the School employed 33.5 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[9] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[10]

Cambria Heights High School students may choose to attend Admiral Peary Vocational-Technical School for training in the construction and mechanical trades, as well as other careers.

The high school serves the communities of: Carrolltown, Chest Springs, Hastings and Patton as well as Chest Township, Clearfield Township, East Carroll Township, Elder Township and West Carroll Township.

US News and World Report rating In 2014, Cambria Heights High School was recognized by US News and World Report as a Bronze level high school in a nationwide school ranking. Among Pennsylvania high schools (traditional, charter and private) 56 achieved gold or silver medals. Another 103 high schools achieved bronze rating out of 698 Pennsylvania high schools reviewed.[11] The study was conducted by American Institutes for Research which examined how many students attained performance levels that exceed statistical expectations given the school's relative level of student poverty, as measured by state accountability test scores for all the school's students in the core subjects of reading and math. The study also examined the success rate for the school's least advantaged student groups (e.g., black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students) that exceed state averages. The study included 752 high schools in Pennsylvania including traditional public schools, public charter schools and public magnet schools.[12] In Pennsylvania in 2013, 112 high schools achieved a Bronze rating in 2013; 47 achieved a silver rating and 7 received a gold rating. The highest ranking went to Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School in the School District of Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Graduation rate

In 2014, Cambria Heights School District’s graduation rate was 99%.[13]

  • 2013 – 95% [14]
  • 2012 – 99%.[15]
  • 2011 – 95.8%.[16]
  • 2010 – 99%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Cambria Heights High School's rate was 97.8% for 2010.[17]
According to traditional graduation rate calculations

Academics

2014 School Performance Profile

Cambria Heights High School achieved 79.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 90% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 73.9% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 70% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[22] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[23]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[24] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[25][26]

2013 School Performance Profile

Cambria Heights High School achieved 72.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 88% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 74% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, 58% showed on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[27] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.[28]

AYP History

In 2012, Cambria Heights High School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[29] From 2003 through 2011, Cambria Heights High School achieved AYP status each school year.[30] Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.

PSSA results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[31] In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade. year.[32]

11th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 83% on grade level, (8% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[33]
  • 2011 - 88% (7% below basic). State - 69.1%[34]
  • 2010 - 78% (10% below basic). State - 66% [35]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 66% on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders were on grade level.[36]
  • 2011 - 62% (18% below basic). State - 60.3%[37]
  • 2010 - 62.9% (12% below basic). State - 59% [38]

11th Grade Science:

  • 2012 - 58% on grade level (4% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[39]
  • 2011 - 51% (10% below basic). State - 40%[40]
  • 2010 - 48% (10% below basic). State - 39% [41]

College Remediation Rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 6% of the Cambria Heights High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[42][43] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.[44][45] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Cambria Heights High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[46] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[47] Under state rules, other students that reside in the district, who attend a private school, a charter school or are home schooled are eligible to participate in this program.[48] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis. Cambria Heights School District received a grant of $4,147 in 2010-11 for the program. At Cambria Heights most dual enrollment courses (with the exception of Microcomputer Applications, Visual Basic Programming, and Anatomy and Physiology I and II) have a weighted credit value of 1.1. The weighted system is used to determine GPA, Class Rank, National Honor Society eligibility, and end of year Academic Banquet awards. Dual Enrollment courses are open only to juniors and seniors. Some courses are offered in association with Penn Highlands Community College.

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Cambria Heights School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 24 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in English, math – 3 credits, social studies 3 credits, science – 3 credits, Physical Education and health 2 credits and electives 9 credits. Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency on the Keystone Algebra I, Biology, and Literature exams or demonstrate proficiency on the local assessment (Class of 2016 and 2017) or demonstrate proficiency on a Project-Based Assessment (Class of 2017 and beyond).

Through the class of 2016, students must complete a culminating graduation project as mandated by the state. By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[49] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[50]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[51] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[52]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[53][54] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.[55] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit – 49% on grade level.[56] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP, regardless of their Keystone Exams results.

Challenge Program

The Challenge Program offers $250.00 cash incentives to Cambria Heights High School students who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. The program partners with businesses to motivate students both in and out of the classroom by encouraging good habits in students that will last throughout their education and into their future careers. For the 2010-2011 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $250.00.[57] The school has partnered with C-B-W Schools Federal Credit Union and Highmark to offer the program.

SAT scores

In 2014, Cambria Heights School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 476. The Math average score was 479. The Writing average score was 441.[58][59] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[60]

In 2013, 100 Cambria Heights School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 458. The Math average score was 479. The Writing average score was 439. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.[61]

In 2012, 73 Cambria Heights School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 478. The Math average score was 495. The Writing average score was 457. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 86 Cambria Heights School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 467. The Math average score was 476. The Writing average score was 445.[62] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.[63] In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.[64]

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania’s SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.[65]

AP Courses

In 2014, Cambria Heights High School did not offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses.


References

  1. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, ED Names and Addresses, 2014
  2. ^ Cambria Heights School Board (2007). "Contract with Dr Joseph Macharola" (PDF).
  3. ^ Philadelphia inquirer, Cambria Heights School District Report Card 2014, 2014
  4. ^ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data – Cambria Heights School District, 2014
  5. ^ PDE, Cambria Heights School District Fast Facts 2014, November 6, 2014
  6. ^ PDE, Enrollment by LEA and School, 2012
  7. ^ PDE, Enrollments and Projection by LEA and School 2006-2020, July 2010
  8. ^ US News and World Report, Best High Schools, 2014
  9. ^ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Cambria Heights High School, 2013
  10. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Cambria Heights High School 2012, September 21, 2012
  11. ^ US News and World Report (April 22, 2014). "High School Overview 2014".
  12. ^ US News and World Report (2012). "Pennsylvania High Schools Ranking".
  13. ^ PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2014
  14. ^ PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2013
  15. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Cambria Heights School District AYP Data Table 2012".
  16. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Cambria Heights School District AYP Data Table 2011, September 29, 2011
  17. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented".
  18. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Cambria Heights School District Academic Achievement Report Card Data table 2010, October 20, 2010
  19. ^ The Times-Tribune (June 27, 2010). "PA School District Statistical Snapshot Database 2008-09".
  20. ^ The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "County School Districts Graduation Rates 2008".
  21. ^ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007" (PDF).
  22. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Cambria Heights High School Academic Performance Data 2014".
  23. ^ By Eleanor Chute (November 21, 2014). "Pennsylvania student scores declined with reduced funding, test results show". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  24. ^ Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq, Acting Secretary of Education Announces Results of 2013-14 School Performance Profile; Strong Performance in 72 Percent of Schools, November 6, 2014
  25. ^ Kathy Boccella, Dylan Purcell, and Kristen A. Graham, (November 6, 2014). "Pa. school rankings: Downingtown STEM No. 1; Phila. falters". Philadelphia Inquirer.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ Jan Murphy (November 6, 2014). "More Pa. school scores decline than improve, state report card shows". Pennlive.com.
  27. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Cambria Heights High School Academic Performance Data 2013, October 4, 2013
  28. ^ Eleanor Chute and Mary Niederberger (December 11, 2013). "New assessment shows fuller picture of Pa. schools". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  29. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Cambria Heights High School AYP status 2012".
  30. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Cambria Heights High School Academic Report Card 2003 – 2011, September 29, 2011
  31. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "State Academic Standards".
  32. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "State Assessment System".
  33. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2012). "2011-2012 PSSA and AYP Results".
  34. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
  35. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Results".
  36. ^ Pittsburgh Post Gazette (October 15, 2012). "How is your school doing?".
  37. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Cambria Heights High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
  38. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Cambria Heights High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
  39. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Cambria Heights High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF).
  40. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science".
  41. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Cambria Heights High School Academic Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
  42. ^ Jan Murphy (January 30, 2009). "Report: One-third of local high schoolers unprepared for college". Pennlive.com.
  43. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 20, 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report 2009".
  44. ^ National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2008
  45. ^ Achieve.org (2014). "THE VALUE OF THE COLLEGE- AND CAREER-READY AGENDA IN PENNSYLVANIA" (PDF).
  46. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Dual Enrollment Guidelines, 2010
  47. ^ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 2010). "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement".
  48. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Dual Enrollment Guidelines".
  49. ^ Pennsylvania State Board of Education. "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements".
  50. ^ Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Proposed changes to Chapter 4, May 10, 2012
  51. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Keystone Exam Overview" (PDF).
  52. ^ Megan Harris (September 12, 2013). "Pennsylvania changing high school graduation requirements". Tribune Live.
  53. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview".
  54. ^ Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4".
  55. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Education Finalizes Adoption of Pennsylvania Common Core State Academic Standards and High School Graduation Requirements, March 14, 2013
  56. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Keystone Exams".
  57. ^ Challenge Program Administration (2011). "The Challenge Program 2010".
  58. ^ PDE, School Performance profile, November 6, 2014
  59. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "SAT and ACT Scores".
  60. ^ College Board (2014). "2014 College-Bound Seniors State Profile Report" (PDF).
  61. ^ College Board (2013). "The 2013 SAT Report on College & Career Readiness".
  62. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011".
  63. ^ College Board (September 15, 2011). "SAT Scores State By State – Pennsylvania".
  64. ^ "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 15, 2011.
  65. ^ The Center for Rural Pennsylvania (August 2006). "SAT Scores and Other School Data".
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