Peninsula Union School Accountability Report Card
Reported for School Year
2008-09
Published During 2009-10

I. Data and Access 

DataQuest 

DataQuest is an online data tool located on the CDE DataQuest Web page 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 2009-10) 

This section provides the schools contact information. 

School  District 
School Name  Peninsula Union Elementary   District Name  Peninsula Union  
Street  909 Vance Ave.   Phone Number  707-443-2731 
City, State, Zip  Samoa  , CA  95564   Web Site  www.humboldt.k12.ca.us/peninsula_sd 
Phone Number  707-443-2731  Superintendent  Mary Beth  Wolford 
Principal  MaryBeth  Wolford  E-mail Address  mbwolford@humboldt.k12.ca.us 
E-mail Address  mbwolford@humboldt.k12.ca.us  CDS Code 12- 62984- 6008106 

School Description and Mission Statement (School Year 2008-09) 

School Description and Mission Statement (School Year 2008-09) 

The Mission of Peninsula School is to produce citizens who have the capacity to apply knowledge and cultural understanding to new contexts, appreciate beauty and care for the environment. The Vision of Peninsula School is to help students develop and utilize academic and social skills necessary for effective participation in a democratic society. Furthermore, it is our goal to help students attain independence, gain skills and see learning as a way to improve their lives. We have identified positive character traits that include the capacity to care for one’s self and others, the ability to work with others, and the willingness to take risks. Our school encourages students to think creatively and to express their ideas in a safe and nurturing environment. We aim to provide our students with opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways to our learning community and the extended community as they learn that individuals can make a difference in the world.

Opportunities for Parental Involvement (School Year 2008-09) 

Opportunities for Parental Involvement (School Year 2008-09) 

Peninsula School is a small school where families and community members are welcomed to become involved in school activities. They attend school events, participate in special classroom projects and help with school fundraisers.

Parents are welcomed to join the PTA and the School Site Council, two groups that work to enhance the educational opportunities for Peninsula students.

Student Enrollment by Grade Level (School Year 2008-09) 

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

Grade Level  Number of Students 
Kindergarten  2 
Grade 1  4 
Grade 2  2 
Grade 3  2 
Grade 4  1 
Grade 5  4 
Grade 6  2 
Grade 7  2 
Grade 8  3 
Ungraded Elementary  0 
Grade 9  0 
Grade 10  0 
Grade 11  0 
Grade 12  0 
Ungraded Secondary  0 
Total Enrollment  22 

Student Enrollment by Group (School Year 2008-09) 

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  4.55 % 
American Indian or Alaska Native  % 
Asian  % 
Filipino  % 
Hispanic or Latino  % 
Pacific Islander  % 
White (not Hispanic)  77.27 % 
Multiple or No Response  18.18 % 
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged  76.00 % 
English Learners  6.00 % 
Students with Disabilities  35.00 % 

Average Class Size and Class Size Distribution (Elementary) 

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

Grade Level  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
Avg. Class Size  Number of Classrooms  Avg. Class Size  Number of Classrooms  Avg. Class Size  Number of Classrooms 
1-20  21-32  33+  1-20  21-32  33+  1-20  21-32  33+ 
K                         
1                         
2                         
3                         
4                         
5                         
6                         
K-3  15.0  1      11.0  1      12.0  1     
3-4  15.0  1      11.0  1             
4-8  11.0  1      13.0  1      12.0  1     
Other                         

III. School Climate 

School Safety Plan (School Year 2008-09) 

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

Peninsula Elementary School has policies and plans in place to ensure the safety of our students. These cover emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, intruders and bus accidents.

At Peninsula we emphasize a positive approach to discipline encouraging the cooperation and involvement of students, teachers and parents. We use programs such as Second Step in the primary grades, Love and Logic and Healthy Play in grades K-8, and counseling services through Humboldt Child Care Council. Quarterly awards assemblies recognize students for achievements in attendance, leadership, citizenship and sportsmanship.

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 
2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
Suspensions  19.5   0.0   0.0   19.5   0.0   0.0  
Expulsions  0.0   0.0   0.0   0.0   0.0   0.0  

IV. School Facilities 

School Facility Conditions and Planned Improvements (School Year 2009-10) 

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. 

Peninsula School provides a safe, clean environment for students and staff. Guests and volunteers check into the office before entering the school grounds. The school consists of eight classrooms, a library, cafeteria, multipurpose room and garden.

Classrooms have state-of-the-art technology with a computer ratio of one computer for every three students. Each classroom has Internet connections, a laser printer, TV, VCR, and school-wide connectivity. Classes share a portable digital projection device.

The computerized school library has over 7,000 books and is accessible from each classroom. Age appropriate libraries are in individual classrooms. Students have daily access to suitable books from the school library.

The multipurpose room has a professional stage that is used for class and school-wide performances.

Peninsula Elementary School has primary and upper grade playgrounds. The playgrounds were completed/updated in 2005. Installation of equipment is in compliance with the new playground safety regulations.

The facility is cleaned on a daily basis. School buildings, equipment and playground areas are monitored for safety and repair on a regular basis. The district participates in the State School Deferred Maintenance Program, which provides state matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis, to assist our school with expenditures for major repairs.

A new roof has just been completed for the school office and classroom modernization is scheduled to begin this year.

School Facility Good Repair Status (School Year 2009-10) 

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

System Inspected  Repair Status  Repair Needed and Action Taken or Planned 
Exemplary  Good  Fair  Poor 
Systems: Gas Leaks, Mechanical/HVAC, Sewer    x      
Interior: Interior Surfaces    x      
Cleanliness: Overall Cleanliness, Pest/ Vermin Infestation   x      
Electrical: Electrical    x      
Restrooms/Fountains: Restrooms, Sinks/ Fountains    x      
Safety: Fire Safety, Hazardous Materials    x      
Structural: Structural Damage, Roofs    x      
External: Playground/School Grounds, Windows/ Doors/Gates/Fences    x      
Overall Rating  Good N/A

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 on the CDE DataQuest Web page. 

Teachers  School  District 
2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2008-09 
With Full Credential  4  4  2  2 
Without Full Credential  0  0  0  0 
Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence  0  0  0  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  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
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 2008-09) 

This table displays the percent of classes in core academic subjects taught by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) compliant and non-NCLB compliant teachers in the school, in all schools in the district, in high-poverty schools in the district, and in low-poverty schools in the district. High poverty schools are defined as those schools with student participation of approximately 75 percent or more in the free and reduced price meals program. Low poverty schools are those with student participation of approximately 25 percent or less in the free and reduced price meals program. More information on teacher qualifications required under NCLB can be found on the CDE Improving Teacher and Principal Quality Web page. 

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   100.0  0.0 
High-Poverty Schools in District  100.0  0.0 
Low-Poverty Schools in District     

VI. Support Staff 

Academic Counselors and Other Support Staff (School Year 2008-09) 

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     
Library Media Teacher (Librarian)    N/A 
Psychologist    N/A 
Social Worker    N/A 
Nurse    N/A 
Speech/Language/Hearing Specialist    N/A 
Resource Specialist (non-teaching)  0.1  N/A 
Other     

VII. Curriculum and Instructional Materials 

Quality, Currency, Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials (School Year 2009-10) 

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 

Peninsula Elementary School continually reviews and updates its textbooks and instructional materials in order to ensure that they are available in sufficient numbers and that they are appropriate to support our instructional programs. We are on a seven-year cycle with the State of California in the adoption and implementation of subject area textbooks and materials. This cycle enables us to keep pace with current trends and provide our students with accurate and up-to-date information.

Teachers have access to a variety of materials and media equipment including computers, videos, DVDs, CDs, science kits and math manipulatives.

Peninsula Elementary School provides standards-aligned textbooks and other instructional materials for each pupil, that are consistent with the content and cycles of the curriculum frameworks adopted by the State Board of Education in the core curriculum areas. The textbooks are sufficient to use in class or take home to complete homework assignments.
Mathematics 
Science 
History-Social Science 
Foreign Language 
Health 
Visual and Performing Arts 
Science Laboratory Equipment (grades 9-12) 

VIII. School Finances 

Expenditures Per Pupil and School Site Teacher Salaries (Fiscal Year 2007-08)  

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 on the CDE Current Expense of Education & Per-pupil Spending Web page and teacher salaries can be found on the CDE Certificated Salaries & Benefits Web page. 

Level  Total Expenditures Per Pupil  Expenditures Per Pupil (Supplemental / Restricted)  Expenditures Per Pupil (Basic / Unrestricted)  Average Teacher Salary 
School Site         
District  N/A  N/A    $42,734 
Percent Difference - School Site and District  N/A  N/A     
State  N/A  N/A  $5,512  $56,284 
Percent Difference - School Site and State  N/A  N/A     

Types of Services Funded (Fiscal Year 2008-09) 

This section provides information about the programs and supplemental services that are available at the school and funded through either categorical or other sources. 

Narrative LEA Provided

Teacher and Administrative Salaries (Fiscal Year 2007-08)

This table displays district salaries 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 based on the salary schedule. Detailed information regarding salaries may be found on the CDE Certificated Salaries & Benefits Web page.

Category District Amount State Average For Districts In Same Category
Beginning Teacher Salary $29,084 $38,481 
Mid-Range Teacher Salary $49,220  $55,789 
Highest Teacher Salary $49,220  $70,849 
Average Principal Salary (Elementary)   $88,862 
Average Principal Salary (Middle)   $94,015 
Average Principal Salary (High)   $97,594 
Superintendent Salary $75,000  $110,994 
Percent of Budget for Teacher Salaries 35.00 %  37.20 % 
Percent of Budget for Administrative Salaries 5.70 %  6.60 % 

IX. Student Performance 

Standardized Testing and Reporting Program  

The Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program consists of several key components, including the California Standards Tests (CSTs); the California Modified Assessment (CMA), and the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA). The 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 two through eleven; science in grades five, eight, and nine through eleven; and history-social science in grades eight, and ten through eleven. The CAPA includes ELA, mathematics, and science in grades two through eleven, and for science for grades five, eight, and ten. The CAPA is given to those students with significant cognitive disabilities whose disabilities prevent them from taking either the CSTs with accommodations or modifications or the CMA with accommodations. The CMA includes ELA and mathematics for grades three through eight and science in grade five and is an alternate assessment that is based on modifiedachievement standards. The CMA is designed to assess those students whose disabilities preclude them from achieving grade-level proficiency on an assessment of the California content standards with or without accommodations. Student scores are reported as performance levels. Detailed information regarding the STAR Program results for each grade and performance level, including the percent of students not tested, can be found on the CDE Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Results Web site. Program information regarding the STAR Program can be found in the Explaining 2008 STAR Program Summary Results to the Public guide. Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is ten or less, either because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or to protect student privacy. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student. 

Standardized Testing and Reporting 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 
2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
English-Language Arts  26  33  41  26  33  41  43  46  50 
Mathematics  12  29  29  12  29  29  40  43  46 
Science  *  *  *  *  *  *  38  46  50 
History-Social Science  0  *  *  0  *  *  33  36  41 
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.

Standardized Testing and Reporting Results by Student Group (School Year 2008-09) 

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  *  *  *   
American Indian or Alaska Native         
Asian         
Filipino         
Hispanic or Latino  *  *     
Pacific Islander         
White (not Hispanic)  50  29  *  * 
Male  *  *  *  * 
Female  50  42  *  * 
Economically Disadvantaged  42  31  *  * 
English Learners  *  *     
Students with Disabilities  *  *  *  * 
Students Receiving Migrant Education Services         

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.

California Physical Fitness Test Results (School Year 2008-09) 

The California Physical Fitness Test is administered to students in grades five, seven, and nine only. This table displays by grade level the percent of students meeting 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 CDE Physical Fitness Testing (PFT) Web page. Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is ten 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 
Four of Six Standards  Five of Six Standards  Six of Six Standards 
5  *  *  * 
7  *  *  * 
9  0.0  0.0  0.0 

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 on the CDE Academic Performance Index (API) Web page. 

Academic Performance Index Ranks - Three-Year Comparison 

This table displays the school’s statewide and similar schools API ranks. The statewide API rank ranges from one to ten. A statewide rank of one means that the school has an API score in the lowest ten percent of all schools in the state, while a statewide rank of ten means that the school has an API score in the highest ten 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 one means that the school’s academic performance is comparable to the lowest performing ten schools of the 100 similar schools, while a similar schools rank of ten means that the school’s academic performance is better than at least 90 of the 100 similar schools. 

API Rank  2006  2007  2008 
Statewide  2 *   1 *   1 *  
Similar Schools  N/A   N/A   N/A  
"N/A" means a number is not applicable or not available due to missing data.
"B" means this is either an LEA or an Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM) school. Schools participating in the ASAM do not currently receive growth, target information, or statewide or similar schools rankings on this report in recognition of their markedly different educational missions and populations served. ASAM schools are covered under the Alternative Accountability system as required by Education Code Section 52052 and not the API accountability system. However, API information is needed to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. Growth, target and rank information are not applicable to LEAs.
"C" means this is a special education school. Statewide and similar schools ranks are not applicable to special education schools.
" * " means this API is calculated for a small school or a small LEA, defined as having between 11 and 99 valid STAR Program test scores included in the API. APIs based on small numbers of students are less reliable and therefore should be carefully interpreted. Similar schools ranks are not calculated for small schools.

Academic Performance Index Growth 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 
2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009 
All Students at the School  -48   -2   40   633 * 
African American         
American Indian or Alaska Native         
Asian         
Filipino         
Hispanic or Latino         
Pacific Islander         
White (not Hispanic)         
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged         
English Learners         
Students with Disabilities         
"N/A" means a number is not applicable or not available due to missing data.
"*" means this API is calculated for a small school, defined as having between 11 and 99 valid Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program test scores included in the API. The API is asterisked if the school was small either in 2008 or 2009. APIs based on small numbers of students are less reliable and therefore should be carefully interpreted.

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 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 on the CDE Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Web page. 

Adequate Yearly Progress Overall and by Criteria (School Year 2008-09) 

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  
"Yes" Met 2009 AYP Criteria
"No" Did not Meet 2009 AYP Criteria

Federal Intervention Program (School Year 2009-10)

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 (ELA 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 on the CDE Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Web page. 

Indicator  School  District 
Program Improvement Status  Not in PI   Not In PI  
First Year of Program Improvement     
Year in Program Improvement     
Number of Schools Currently in Program Improvement  N/A   
Percent of Schools Currently in Program Improvement  N/A   

XI. School Completion and Postsecondary Preparation 

Dropout Rate and Graduation Rate

This table displays the school’s one-year dropout and graduation rates for the most recent three-year period for which data are available. For comparison purposes, data are also provided at the district and state levels. Detailed information about dropout rates and graduation rates can be found on the CDE DataQuest Web page. 

Indicator  School  District  State 
2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
Dropout Rate (1-year)              3.5  4.4  3.9 
Graduation Rate              83.4  80.6  80.2 

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.  

Peninsula School’s staff is regularly involved in professional development workshops and seminars to maintain high curricular and administrative standards. The staff focuses on professional development opportunities that provide strategies for increasing students’ understanding of language arts and math, raising test scores, and providing a healthy and happy learning environment. The Humboldt County Office of Education is the paramount resource for staff development opportunities. We try to send at least one representative to forums with keynote speakers at HCOE. Peninsula’s staff also participates in classes, workshops, and programs offered at Humboldt State University and outside of the local area. Our school has one early release day per week to allow time for teachers to collaborate. With this time, we review revisions made to California State Academic Standards and Frameworks, discuss textbook adoption cycles, brainstorm effective instructional strategies, design behavior management plans, and enjoy coaching provided by subject area experts who visit. Although the staff works collectively to pursue professional growth, we are also involved in independent courses of professional development.

  • Staff members have participated in the Redwood Writing Project and the TAH (Teaching American History) Program.
  • Teachers have offered workshops at the annual GATE Academy.
  • Members of our staff have taken leadership roles in local programs and agencies (such as the Redwood Writing Project and our Green School’s Program).
  • Peninsula’s staff has received Love and Logic Training from local experts.
  • New teachers at Peninsula participate in two years of BTSA to ensure they receive intensive support from veteran teachers and the community.

XIII. National Assessment of Educational Progress 

National Assessment of Educational Progress 

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a nationally representative assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. Assessments are conducted periodically in mathematics, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, and U.S. history. Student scores for reading and mathematics are reported as performance levels (i.e., basic, proficient, and advanced) and the participation of students with disabilities and English language learners is reported based on three levels (identified, excluded, and assessed). Detailed information regarding the NAEP results for each grade, performance level, and participation rate can be found on the National Assessment of Educational Progress Web page (Outside Source). 

Note: Only a sample group of California's schools and districts participate in the NAEP testing cycle. Therefore, students in any particular school or district may not be included in these results. The NAEP reflects state test results and is not reflective of either the LEA or the individual school. Comparisons of student performance on the NAEP and student performance on the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program assessments cannot be made without an understanding of the key differences between the two assessment programs. For example, the NAEP only assesses grades four, eight and twelve and for long-term trends assesses grades nine, thirteen, and seventeen. Additionally, the NAEP only provides state test results for grades four and eight. The California Standards Tests (CSTs) are based on a different set of standards than the NAEP assessments. For example, the NAEP is not aligned with California academic content and achievement standards and, therefore, does not necessarily reflect the curriculum and instruction to which students are exposed in the classroom. The NAEP assesses reading and writing separately, while the CSTs assess English-language arts (ELA), encompassing reading as well as writing conventions, spelling, and grammar. Scores on the CSTs and other assessments are not directly comparable to those on NAEP. The averages and percentages presented are estimates based on samples of students rather than on entire populations. Finally, the questions students respond to are only a sample of the knowledge and skills covered by the NAEP frameworks. Information on the differences between NAEP and CST can be found on the CDE National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Web page. 

National Assessment of Educational Progress Reading and Mathematics Results by Grade Level - Aggregated 

This table displays the scale scores and achievement levels on the National Assessment of Educational Progress Results for reading (2007) and mathematics (2009) for grades four and eight 

Subject and Grade Level  Average Scale Score  State Percent at Achievement Level 
State  National  Basic  Proficient  Advanced 
Reading 2007, Grade 4  209  220  30  18  5 
Reading 2007, Grade 8  251  261  41  20  2 
Mathematics 2009, Grade 4  232  239  41  25  5 
Mathematics 2009, Grade 8  270  282  36  18  5 

National Assessment of Educational Progress Reading and Mathematics Results for Students with Disabilities and/or English Language Learners by Grade Level - Aggregated 

This table displays the state and national participation rates on the National Assessment of Educational Progress for reading (2007) and mathematics (2009) for students with disabilities and/or English language learners for grades four and eight. 

Subject and Grade Level  State Participation Rate  National Participation Rate 
Students With Disabilities  English Language Learners  Students With Disabilities  English Language Learners 
Reading 2007, Grade 4  74  93  65  80 
Reading 2007, Grade 8  78  92  66  77 
Mathematics 2009, Grade 4  79  96  84  94 
Mathematics 2009, Grade 8  85  96  78  92