We\u2019re gearing up for another school year. If the off season was any indicator, we\u2019re headed for a doozey.<\/p>\n
The Park Record headline screams, \u201cUnder new school policy, high opt-out rates could sink Park City School District\u2019s statewide grades.”<\/p>\n
The first paragraph goes even more dire: “The Park City School District in 2017 was given its first \u2018F’ school grade from the state. Thanks to a new decision from the federal government, more failing grades might not be far behind.”<\/p>\n
It appears due to new federal laws, children who opt out of year-end standardized test will be counted as 0\u2019s when scores are averaged for the district. Because Park City has a high opt-out rate on tests like SAGE, this would mean our district\u2019s average scores would drop for standardized tests.<\/p>\n
Do you care?<\/p>\n
Do you need our high school to be ranked #1\u2026 or even #25?<\/p>\n
Quick quiz\u2026<\/p>\n
Question 1:<\/strong> In 2016 what was Park City high School\u2019s ranking of best high schools in Utah per US News and World Reports?<\/p>\n Question 2:<\/strong> in 2017 what was Park City High School\u2019s ranking?<\/p>\n Question 3:<\/strong> In late 2018 what was Park City High Schools ranking?<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Answer 1:<\/strong> Not in the top 25\u00a0<\/p>\n Answer 2:<\/strong>\u00a01st in Utah<\/p>\n Answer 3:<\/strong> Not in the top 25<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Wow, what a difference a year makes. One year the schools are crappy, the next year they are the best, and then they return to crap. Do you believe that?<\/p>\n No, we have good schools. Over 93% of kids graduate. 65% of kids take AP exams. 76% of exams are passed. As is typically the case in Park City, we are fine. Our kids have opportunities. They are surrounded by competent teachers. We have good leaders. It is likely your kids will get a better high school education that you did.<\/p>\n So, please don\u2019t let a Park Record article shame you into forcing your kids to sit for a standardized test. You know more about your kids than anyone.<\/p>\n Maybe a year end test is good for your kid. GREAT. Maybe it\u2019s not. GREAT. Only you and your kids know.\u00a0<\/p>\n Final quick quiz\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n