School Accountability Report Card    
  Reported for School Year 2002-2003  

Published During 2003-2004

 

Notes regarding the source and currency of data:
Data included in this School Accountability Report Card (SARC) are consistent with State Board of Education guidelines, which are available at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ope/sarc/data.htm. Most data presented in this report were collected from the 2002-03 school year or from the two preceding years (2000-01 and 2001-02). Due to the certification timelines for graduation, dropout, and fiscal information, the data for these sections of the report were collected in 2001-02. A glossary of terms is available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/demographics/glossary.

 

School Information

District Information

 School Name

 Somerset Continuation High

 District Name

 Bellflower Unified

 Principal

 Mr. Patrick Dixon

 Superintendent

 Rick Kemppainen

 Street

 9242 E. Laurel St.

 Street

 16703 S. Clark Ave.

 City, State, Zip

 Bellflower, CA    90706-7607

 City, State, Zip

 Bellflower, CA    90706-5203

 Phone Number

 (562) 804-6548

 Phone Number

 (562) 866-9011

 FAX Number

 (562) 804-6587

 FAX Number

 (562) 866-7713

 Web Site

 http://www.busd.k12.ca.us/schools/somerset.html

 Web Site

 http://www.busd.k12.ca.us

 CDS Code

 19-64303-1938190

 SARC Contact

 Steven Yuchno


School Description and Mission Statement

The mission of Somerset High School is to provide the kind of environment and teaching that is engaging, collaborative, and is the most appropriate in meeting the needs of continuation high school students. This includes an individualized and prescriptive approach to learning and the delivery of instruction. Students attend one of three sessions, a morning session, an afternoon session, or a late afternoon reentry program. Somerset’s environment is nurturing and supportive, stimulating, and seeks ways to address a variety of learning styles to help increase motivation and success.

Somerset High School is thirty-six years old and is located in the city of Bellflower and serves the communities of Bellflower, Lakewood, and Cerritos. Somerset High School serves some 525 students in grades ten through twelve. The present facilities include 15 classrooms, an Infant Care Center, and a school garden. In addition to the teaching and support staff, other services include Regional Occupational Programs, and various community counseling agencies which provide support services and individual and group counseling. The school is further assisted by the support of a site-based probation officer.


Opportunities for Parental Involvement

 Contact Person Name

 Patrick Dixon

 Contact Person Phone Number

 (562) 804-6548

Family support is an integral part of the educational process. Without this vital link, the goals set in the mission and vision statements of the school would be unachievable. Making parents feel welcome in the school and important to the success of the students has been the center of the school’s strategies that send the message that family involvement is essential to advance our students’ education. A coordinated effort between the community and the school provides a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

Parents are leaders in decision-making circumstances in the PTSA, on the School Site Council, on the English Learner Advisory Committee, and as parent volunteers. In order to build public confidence, newsletters, special bulletins, flyers, and other forms of written communication elicit active participation and support for school programs.


I. Demographic Information

Student Enrollment, by Grade Level
Data reported are the number of students in each grade level as reported by the California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS).

 Grade Level

 Enrollment

 Grade 7

 Grade 8

 Grade 9

81 

 Grade 10

143 

 Grade 11

80 

 Grade 12

49 

 Total Enrollment

356 


Student Enrollment, by Ethnic Group
Data reported are the number and percent of students in each racial/ethnic category as reported by CBEDS.

 Racial/Ethnic Category

 Number
of
Students

 Percent
of
Students

 Racial/Ethnic Category

 Number
of
Students

 Percent
of
Students

 African-American

66 

18.5 

 Hispanic or Latino

169 

47.5 

 American Indian or Alaska Native

0.6 

 Pacific Islander

0.6 

 Asian

1.7 

 White (Not Hispanic)

76 

21.3 

 Filipino

2.0 

 Multiple or No Response

28 

7.9 


II. School Safety and Climate for Learning

School Safety Plan

 Date of Last Review/Update

 March 1, 2003

 Date Last Discussed with Staff

 March 1, 2003 

The staff, students, parents, the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), the School Site Council and community members at the school strive to provide effective ways to give all students the safe, clean, healthy, and disciplined conditions that allow teachers to effectively teach, and students to actively learn. The school places the physical, emotional, and psychological safety and well being of its students and staff among our highest priorities. All elements of the school, the education provided, the student support staff, the school’s leadership, the parents and families, and the school’s surrounding community, combine to produce a positive and safe environment for all students. The school’s comprehensive safety plan establishes regular review of emergency procedures, expectations for the cleanliness and maintenance of facilities, as well as, behavioral norms. Somerset High School meets its obligation to provide support systems, which promote the health and safety of students and staff.


School Programs and Practices that Promote a Positive Learning Environment

Students who feel good about themselves and have opportunities to receive recognition tend to do better academically and socially, therefore, the school makes every effort to acknowledge good behavior and academic performance. There is an emphasis on rewarding those students who meet these expectations.
Our school-wide discipline plan is consistently administered. This plan includes standards for expected behavior and consequences for failure to comply with them and have been agreed upon by a committee made up of teachers, parents, and students. There is an emphasis on rewarding those students who meet these expectations.  Some of our recognition programs include Student of the Month, U-Turn Awards, Daily Patriotic Observance, Associated Student Body (ASB) recognitions, Bank of America Awards Program, Governor’s Scholars Award Program, Departmental Academic Awards, and PTSA recognitions of individual and class accomplishments.  Opportunities are also provided for students to be involved in multi-cultural assemblies, clubs, and after school activities.  A counselor and two Guidance Technicians work closely with staff in providing guidance and attendance services. The assistant principal is also a credentialed school counselor and assists in providing counseling services.
In addition to counseling services, guidance centered curriculum programs exist at
Somerset High School. All students meet with their faculty advisor weekly to set, monitor, and maintain progress toward their educational goals. Teachers provide instruction in study skills, decision-making, career assessment, coping strategies, health, and other areas that contribute to the student’s continuing growth and development and school success. A School-to-Work program provides students with vocational information and training, as well as job placement. Cerritos College and other educational and business programs visit our school and provide career and vocational information and to the students.


Suspensions and Expulsions
Data reported are the number of suspensions and expulsions (i.e., the total number of incidents that result in a suspension or expulsion). The rate of suspensions and expulsions is the total number of incidents divided by the school's total enrollment as reported by CBEDS for the given year. In unified school districts, a comparison between a particular type of school (elementary, middle, high) and the district average may be misleading. Schools have the option of comparing their data with the district-wide average for the same type of school.

 

 School

 District

 2001

 2002

 2003

 2001

 2002

 2003

 Number of Suspensions

152 

153 

208 

4,045 

3,885 

3,383 

 Rate of Suspensions

.34 

.37 

.58 

.27 

.25 

.21 

 Number of Expulsions

20 

63 

57 

 Rate of Expulsions

>.01 

>.01 

>.01 

>.01 

>.01 


School Facilities

The appearance of a school’s grounds, buildings, and classrooms influences the attitude of all who visit and use the campus. The school’s physical plant supports and enhances the learning environment and is well maintained, functional, and clean. The school’s facilities support the special needs of all students and there are areas on campus, including the library-media center, teachers’ lounges, and a teachers’ workroom, for students and staff to go for collaboration and research. Adequate supplies and materials support all facilities. An attractive wrought iron fence encloses the front of the school and gates are locked and unlocked to accommodate the daily schedule. Signs are posted at the front gate informing the public that the school is tobacco free, and the school follows a philosophy that encourages students and staff to assume personal responsibility for the appearance of the campus.


III. Academic Data

Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR)
Through the California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program, students in grades 2-11 are tested annually in various subject areas. Currently, the STAR program includes California Standards Tests (CST) in English-language arts and mathematics in grades 2-11, science and history/social science in grades 9-11, and a norm-referenced test, which tests reading, language, and mathematics in grades 2-11, spelling in grades 2-8, and science in grades 9-11.

California Standards Tests (CST)
The California Standards Tests (CST) show how well students are doing in relation to the state content standards. Student scores are reported as performance levels. The five performance levels are Advanced (exceeds state standards), Proficient (meets state standards), Basic (approaching state standards), Below Basic (below state standards), and Far Below Basic (well below state standards). Students scoring at the Proficient or Advanced level meet state standards in that content area. Detailed information regarding results for each grade and proficiency level can be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://star.cde.ca.gov/ or by speaking with the school principal. Note: To protect student privacy, scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less.

CST - All Students
Data reported are the percent of students achieving at the proficient or advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standard) and percent not tested.

 Performance Level

 School

 District

 State

 2001

 2002

 2003

 2001

 2002

 2003

 2001

 2002

 2003

English Language Arts

 Proficient or Advanced

 2

 2

 4

 24

 26

 30

 30

 32

 35

 Not Tested

 7

 17

 8

 5

 5

 1

 6

 8

 1

Mathematics

 Proficient or Advanced

 

 0

 3

 

 25

 30

 

 31

 35

 Not Tested

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

Science

 Proficient or Advanced

 

 3

 4

 

 20

 19

 

 30

 27

 Not Tested

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

History/Social Science

 Proficient or Advanced

 

 5

 2

 

 19

 22

 

 28

 28

 Not Tested

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---


CST - Racial/Ethnic Groups
Data reported are the percent of students achieving at the proficient or advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standard) and percent not tested.

 Performance Level

 African-
American

 American
Indian or
Alaska
Native

 Asian

 Filipino

 Hispanic
or Latino

 Pacific
Islander

 White
(not
Hispanic)

English Language Arts

 Proficient or Advanced

 0

 

 

 

 4

 

 8

 Not Tested

 2

 

 

 

 9

 

 6

Mathematics

 Proficient or Advanced

 0

 

 

 

 5

 

 3

 Not Tested

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

Science

 Proficient or Advanced

 0

 

 

 

 3

 

 9

 Not Tested

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

History/Social Science

 Proficient or Advanced

 0

 

 

 

 1

 

 5

 Not Tested

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---


CST - Subgroups
Data reported are the percent of students achieving at the proficient or advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standard) and percent not tested.

Performance Level

 Male 

Female

English
Learners

Socioeconomically
Disadvantaged

Students With
Disabilities

Migrant
Education
Services

Yes

No

Yes

No

English Language Arts

 Proficient or Advanced

 3

 4

 0

 

 3

 0

 4

 

 Not Tested

 5

 10

 11

 

 8

 23

 7

 

Mathematics

 Proficient or Advanced

 4

 3

 0

 

 3

 0

 4

 

 Not Tested

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

Science

 Proficient or Advanced

 5

 1

 0

 

 3

 8

 3

 

 Not Tested

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

History/Social Science

 Proficient or Advanced

 3

 0

 0

 

 2

 0

 2

 

 Not Tested

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---

 ---


Norm-Referenced Test (NRT)
Reading and mathematics results from the Norm-Referenced Test (NRT), adopted by the State Board of Education (this was the Stanford 9 test up until 2003, but was changed to the California Achievement Test, Sixth Edition for 2003), are reported for each grade level as the percent of tested students scoring at or above the 50th percentile (the national average). School results are compared to results at the district and state levels. Detailed information regarding results for each grade level can be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://star.cde.ca.gov/ or by speaking with the school principal. Note: To protect student privacy, scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less.

NRT - All Students
Data reported are the percent of students scoring at or above the 50th percentile.

Subject

 School

 District

 State

 2001

 2002

 2003

 2001

 2002

 2003

 2001

 2002

 2003

 Reading

 8

 5

 15

 38

 40

 37

 44

 45

 43

 Mathematics

 8

 9

 14

 49

 49

 46

 53

 55

 50


NRT - Racial/Ethnic Groups
Data reported are the percent of students scoring at or above the 50th percentile.

Subject

 African-
American

 American
Indian or
Alaska
Native

 Asian

 Filipino

 Hispanic
or Latino

 Pacific
Islander

 White
(not
Hispanic)

 Reading

 10

 

 

 

 16

 

 21

 Mathematics

 2

 

 

 

 15

 

 24


NRT - Subgroups
Data reported are the percent of students scoring at or above the 50th percentile.

Subject

   Male  

 Female

 English
Learners

Socioeconomically
Disadvantaged

 Students With
Disabilities

 Migrant
Education
Services

 Yes

 No

 Yes

 No

 Reading

 12

 19

 0

 

 15

 8

 16

 

 Mathematics

 17

 10

 21

 

 14

 17

 14

 


Academic Performance Index (API)

The Academic Performance Index (API) is a score on a scale of 200 to 1000 that annually measures the academic performance and progress of individual schools in California. On an interim basis, the state has set 800 as the API score that schools should strive to meet.

Growth Targets: The annual growth target for a school is 5 percent of the distance between its Base API and 800. The growth target for a school at or above 800 is to remain at or above 800. Actual growth is the number of API points a school gained between its base and growth years. Schools that reach their annual targets are eligible for awards. Schools that do not meet their targets and have a statewide API rank of one to five are eligible to participate in the Immediate Intervention/Underperforming Schools Program (II/USP), which provides resources to schools to improve their academic achievement. There was no money allocated to the II/USP Program in 2002 or 2003.

Subgroup APIs and Targets: In addition to a schoolwide API, schools also receive API scores for each numerically significant subgroup in the school (i.e., racial/ethnic subgroups and socioeconomically disadvantaged students). Growth targets, equal to 80 percent of the school's target, are also set for each of the subgroups. Each subgroup must also meet its target for the school to be eligible for awards.

Percent Tested: In order to be eligible for awards, elementary and middle schools must test at least 95 percent of their students in grades 2-8 and high schools must test at least 90 percent of their students in grades 9-11 on STAR.

Statewide Rank: Schools receiving a Base API score are ranked in ten categories of equal size (deciles) from one (lowest) to ten (highest), according to type of school (elementary, middle, or high school).

Similar Schools Rank: Schools also receive a ranking that compares that school to 100 other schools with similar demographic characteristics. Each set of 100 schools is ranked by API score from one (lowest) to ten (highest) to indicate how well the school performed compared to schools most like it.

API criteria are subject to change as new legislation is enacted into law. Detailed information about the API and the Public Schools Accountability Act (PSAA) can be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/psaa/api/ or by speaking with the school principal.

Schoolwide API

 API Base Data

 API Growth Data

 

 2000

 2001

 2002

 

From
2000
to 2001

From
2001
to 2002

From
2002
to 2003

 Percent Tested

 

 

 

 Percent Tested

 

 

 87

 API Base Score

 

 

 

 API Growth Score

 

 

 415

 Growth Target

 

 

 

 Actual Growth

 

 

 15

 Statewide Rank

 

 

 

 

 Similar Schools Rank

 

 

 


API Subgroups - Racial/Ethnic Groups

 API Base Data

 API Growth Data

 

 2000

 2001

 2002

 

From
2000
to 2001

From
2001
to 2002

From
2002
to 2003

 African-American

 African-American

 API Base Score

 

 

 

 API Growth Score

 

 

 399

 Growth Target

 

 

 

 Actual Growth

 

 

 23

 American Indian or Alaska Native

 American Indian or Alaska Native

 API Base Score

 

 

 

 API Growth Score

 

 

 

 Growth Target

 

 

 

 Actual Growth

 

 

 

 Asian

 Asian

 API Base Score

 

 

 

 API Growth Score

 

 

 

 Growth Target

 

 

 

 Actual Growth

 

 

 

 Filipino

 Filipino

 API Base Score

 

 

 

 API Growth Score

 

 

 

 Growth Target

 

 

 

 Actual Growth

 

 

 

 Hispanic or Latino

 Hispanic or Latino

 API Base Score

 

 

 

 API Growth Score

 

 

 389

 Growth Target

 

 

 

 Actual Growth

 

 

 18

 Pacific Islander

 Pacific Islander

 API Base Score

 

 

 

 API Growth Score

 

 

 

 Growth Target

 

 

 

 Actual Growth

 

 

 

 White (Not Hispanic)

 White (Not Hispanic)

 API Base Score

 

 

 

 API Growth Score

 

 

 466

 Growth Target

 

 

 

 Actual Growth

 

 

 3


API Subgroups - Socioeconomically Disadvantaged

 API Base Data

 API Growth Data

 

 2000

 2001

 2002

 

From
2000
to 2001

From
2001
to 2002

From
2002
to 2003

 API Base Score

 

 

 

 API Growth Score

 

 

 396

 Growth Target

 

 

 

 Actual Growth

 

 

 6


Awards and Intervention Programs
Eligibility for statewide award or intervention programs is based on API growth data from the previous academic year.
The Immediate Intervention/Underperforming Schools Program was not funded for the year 2002 or 2003.

 School

 District

 Federal Programs

 2001

 2002

 2003

 Federal Programs

 2001

 2002

 2003

 Recognition for
 Achievement (Title 1)

 No

 No

 No

 Number of Schools Identified
 for Program Improvement

 1

 0

 0

 Identified for Program
 Improvement (Title 1)

 No

 No

 No

 Percent of Schools Identified
 for Program Improvement

 6.7

 0.0

 0.0

 Exited Title 1 Program
 Improvement

 No

 No

 No

 

 Years Identified for
 Program Improvement

 

 

 

 California Programs

 2001

 2002

 2003

 Eligible for Governor's
 Performance Award

 N/A

 N/A

 N/A

 
 Eligible for II/USP

 n/a

 ---

 ---

 
 Applied for II/USP Funding

 n/a

 ---

 ---

 
 Received II/USP Funding

 n/a

 ---

 ---


Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
The federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires that all students perform at or above the proficient level on the state's standards-based assessments by 2014. In order to achieve this goal and meet annual performance objectives, districts and schools must improve each year according to set requirements. Data reported show whether all groups of students in the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Detailed information about AYP can be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ayp/ or by speaking with the school principal.

 Groups

 School

 District

 2001

 2002

 2003

 2001

 2002

 2003

 All Students

 ---

 ---

 No

 ---

 ---

 Yes

 African American

 ---

 ---

 N/A

 ---

 ---

 Yes

 American Indian or Alaska Native

 ---

 ---

 N/A

 ---

 ---

 N/A

 Asian

 ---

 ---

 N/A

 ---

 ---

 Yes

 Filipino

 ---

 ---

 N/A

 ---

 ---

 Yes

 Hispanic or Latino

 ---

 ---

 No

 ---

 ---

 Yes

 Pacific Islander

 ---

 ---

 N/A

 ---

 ---

 Yes

 White (not Hispanic)

 ---

 ---

 N/A

 ---

 ---

 Yes

 Socioeconomically Disadvantaged

 ---

 ---

 No

 ---

 ---

 Yes

 English Learners

 ---

 ---

 N/A

 ---

 ---

 Yes

 Students with Disabilities

 ---

 ---

 N/A

 ---

 ---

 No


IV. School Completion (Secondary Schools)

Dropout Rate and Graduation Rate
Data reported regarding progress toward reducing dropout rates over the most recent three-year period include: grade 9-12 enrollment, the number of dropouts, and the one-year dropout rate as reported by CBEDS. The formula for the one-year dropout rate is (Grades 9-12 Dropouts divided by Grades 9-12 Enrollment) multiplied by 100. The graduation rate, required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), is calculated by dividing the number of high school graduates by the sum of dropouts for grades 9 through 12, in consecutive years, plus the number of graduates.

 

 School

 District

 State

   2000  

   2001  

   2002  

   2000  

   2001  

   2002  

   2000  

   2001  

   2002  

 Enrollment (9-12)

 392

 404

 408

 4,172

 4,153

 4,358

 1,703,492

 1,735,576

 1,772,417

 Number of Dropouts

 

 

 

 27

 28

 31

 47,282

 47,899

 48,454

 Dropout Rate (1-year)

 

 

 

 0.6

 0.7

 0.7

 2.8

 2.8

 2.7

 Graduation Rate

 99.3

 96.7

 100.0

 96.0

 95.8

 95.2

 85.9

 86.7

 86.9


V. Class Size

Average Teaching Load and Teaching Load Distribution
Data reported are the average class size and the number of classrooms that fall into each size category (i.e., number of students), by subject area as reported by CBEDS.

 Subject

 2001

 2002

 2003

 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

 18.59

 13

 2

 2

 18.27

 12

 3

 0

 17.57

 11

 3

 0

 Mathematics

 17.60

 7

 3

 0

 19.08

 11

 1

 0

 16.60

 7

 3

 0

 Science

 21.60

 4

 1

 0

 22.40

 2

 3

 0

 20.20

 3

 2

 0

 Social Science

 15.33

 13

 2

 0

 17.27

 13

 2

 0

 15.86

 12

 2

 0


 VI. Teacher and Staff Information

Teacher Credentials
Data reported are the number of teachers (full-time and part-time). Each teacher is counted as '1'. If a teacher works at two schools, he/she is only counted at one school. Data are not available for teachers with a full credential and teaching outside his/her subject area.

 

   2001  

   2002  

   2003  

 Total Teachers
 

 17

 17

 17

 Teachers with Full Credential
 (full credential and teaching in subject area)

 15

 15

 16

 Teachers Teaching Outside Subject Area
 (full credential but teaching outside subject area)

 0

 0

 0

 Teachers with Emergency Credential
 (includes District Internship, University Internship, Pre-Interns, and Emergency Permits)

 2

 3

 2

 Teachers with Waivers
 (does not have credential and does not qualify for an Emergency Permit)

 0

 0

 0


Teacher Evaluations

Just as students receive feedback regarding their performance, teachers also receive regular evaluations. Probationary teachers are evaluated every year and tenured teachers are evaluated every other year. The major areas covered in evaluation are student progress, instructional methods and effectiveness, adherence to the district curriculum, and establishment and maintenance of a suitable learning environment. The purpose of the evaluation is to ensure and promote quality instruction in all classrooms. 


Substitute Teachers

When teachers are absent, it is important to place substitutes of the highest quality in the classroom. The continuity and quality of the program depend on the ability of the substitutes to maintain the expected level of instruction. The district has had little trouble hiring and retaining qualified personnel. On rare occasions, when the number of substitutes needed exceeds the number of available substitutes, credentialed support personnel will cover those classes.  


Counselors and Other Support Staff
 Data reported are in units of full-time equivalents (FTE). One FTE is defined as a staff person who is working 100% full time. Two staff persons working 50% of full time also equals one FTE.

 Title

   FTE  

 Counselor

 1


Academic Counselors
Data reported are in units of full-time equivalents (FTE). One FTE is defined as a staff person who is working 100% of full time. Two staff persons working 50% of full time also equals one FTE. The ratio of pupils per academic counselor is enrollment as reported in the most recent California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS) data collection divided by the number of academic counselors.

 Number of Academic
Counselors (FTE)

 Ratio of Pupils per
Academic Counselor

 1

 411.00


VII. Curriculum and Instruction

School
Instruction and Leadership

The school provides every student the opportunity to engage in a rigorous, integrated and balanced core curriculum that begins in the seventh grade and builds from grade to grade. The curriculum is closely aligned with the California State Standards and it incorporates both the beginning and higher-level thinking skills that require students to formulate and solve problems, make independent judgments, and to express thoughts logically and clearly in written and oral form. The school assures that all students are engaged in a balanced curriculum by having teachers follow district curriculum guides, content and performance standards, and state frameworks. Sound pedagogical practices, extensive instructional resources, and a highly-trained staff provide effective strategies for every student to succeed.

The principal and department chairs continuously collaborate to produce an atmosphere of constant improvement. Teachers plan together in departmental groupings that regularly review student work in relation to the standards. Comprehensive information regarding student achievement is made available to the school on a regular basis, and that data guides most decisions regarding professional development. Subgroup data is carefully studied to identify under performing groups so instruction may be targeted appropriately. Teacher accountability is viewed as a positive part of the school culture. The principal makes classroom visits to observe lessons and consult with teachers to regarding instruction.  Teachers regularly redesign their lessons to assure that they are challenging, rigorous, and aligned with the standards.

Students who need additional support in meeting the demands of the curriculum utilize a network of services that help them succeed. Students whose primary language is not English receive support in the classroom from teachers holding appropriate credentials. Library resources and home to school materials are also made available in the primary language. A variety of support options are provided for other identified special needs students. An array of literacy enhancement programs is available to students eligible for Title 1 services. There are pull out programs as well as programs that use extended day and extended year models.

The school has a guidance intern and psychologist support. These professionals work with the Student Study Team to assess Special Education and Section 504 students and collaborate with parents in the development of appropriate individualized plans emphasizing access to the least restrictive educational environment. The district also sponsors numerous extended day activities for GATE students and trains their teachers to differentiate instruction.

The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and was awarded another six-year accreditation, the longest term given by WASC. The school has been recognized as a
Model Continuation School by the California Department of Education and has further been recognized by having two of its programs designated as Exemplary Programs by the California Department of Education and the California Continuation Education Association.


Professional Development

Professional development activities are essential to the maintenance of a quality educational program for all students. Over the past three years, the district has provided more than 200 hours per year of professional development activities for teachers and classified staff. These programs have emphasized a standards-based approach to the core subject areas of English Language Arts, mathematics, science and social studies.

The district has also provided shortened days for schools to use in school-based planning and professional development activities. The school-based professional development program has addressed technology-based instruction; early literacy, shared decision-making, the utilization of standardized tests in the instructional program, and instruction for underachieving subgroups.


Quality and Currency of Textbooks and Other Instructional Materials

The State of California adopts textbooks every seven years. The district follows the state cycle for textbook adoption, and all classes have current text materials in the academic subjects.

Funding for instructional materials and textbooks changed with the implementation of the Instructional Materials Funding Realignment Program (IMFRP) in January, 2003. The IMFRP consolidated funding for instructional materials into one program. The priority under IMFRP is for each pupil in grades K-12 to be provided with standards-aligned instructional materials in reading/language arts, mathematics, history-social science, and science.

The apportionment amount of $36.52 per pupil enrolled K-l2 is based on the October 2001, California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS) report. The total district allocation for the 2002-03 school year was $559,549. In reality, textbooks and support materials cost more than this amount; so the district provides additional money for these materials. Supplements to printed text materials are also provided through the use of technologies that include multi-media computing and video.


Instructional Minutes
The California Education Code establishes the required number of instructional minutes per year for each grade. Data reported compare the number of instructional minutes offered at the school level to the state requirement for each grade.

 Grade
Level

 Instructional Minutes

 Offered

 State Requirement

 9

 65,350

 64,800

 10

 65,350

 64,800

 11

 65,350

 64,800

 12

 65,350

 64,800


Continuation School Instructional Days
Data reported are the number of instructional days offered at the school level compared to the state requirement for each grade.

 Grade
Level

 Instructional Days With At Least 180 Instructional Minutes

 Offered

 State Requirement

 9

 180 days

 180 days

 10

 180 days

 180 days

 11

 180 days

 180 days

 12

 180 days

 180 days


Total Number of Minimum Days

Seven Minimum Days are scheduled annually. They are: Back to School Night, the end of the First Quarter, the day before Winter Break, the end of the Second Quarter, the end of the Third Quarter, Open House and the last day of school. 


VIII. Postsecondary Preparation (Secondary Schools)

Advanced Placement Courses Offered
The Advanced Placement (AP) program give students an opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while still in high school. Data reported are the number of courses and classes offered, and the enrollment in various AP classes. The data for Fine and Performing Arts include AP Art and AP Music.
Advanced Placement courses are available at the home schools of Somerset students.

Students Enrolled in Courses Required for University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) Admission
Data reported are the number and percent of students enrolled in courses required for UC and/or CSU admission. The percent of students is calculated by dividing the total number of students enrolled in courses required for UC and/or CSU admission by the total number of students enrolled in all courses.

Courses required for UC admission are available at the home schools of Somerset students.

Graduates Who Have Completed All Courses Required for University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) Admission
Data reported are the number and percent of graduates who have completed all courses required for UC and/or CSU admission. The percent of graduates is calculated by dividing the total number of graduates who have completed all courses required for UC and/or CSU admission by the total number of graduates.

 Number of Graduates

 Number of Graduates
Who Have Completed All Courses Required
For UC and/or CSU Admission

 Percent of Graduates
Who Have Completed All Courses Required
For UC and/or CSU Admission

 88

 0

 0


SAT I Reasoning Test
Students may voluntarily take the SAT test for college entrance. The test may or may not be available to students at a given school. Students may take the test more than once, but only the highest score is reported at the year of graduation. Detailed information regarding SAT results may be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ope/research/sat/.
Somerset students participate in SAT testing under the sponsorship of their home schools.

College Admission Test Preparation Course Program
Somerset students may participate in college admissions test preparation programs  under the sponsorship of their home schools.

Degree to Which Students are Prepared to Enter Workforce

The mission of California’s high schools is to nurture the intellectual, physical, emotional, and moral capacities of each student to the fullest extent possible so that each can profit by continued schooling and ultimately lead a fulfilling life in our society as a productive worker, citizen, and private individual. In order for students to be prepared for the 21st century, they must not only be able to read and compute, but also to think creatively and critically, and to adapt to change.

Somerset High School is preparing students for tomorrow’s workplace through the rich learning environment of a thinking, meaning-centered, curriculum. The school’s instructional programs engage students intellectually to master the traditional academic skills and the more complex skills of thinking and problem solving. An emphasis is placed on the curriculum content of technology-based computer instruction, oral communication skills, reading for meaning, and writing for a variety of audiences and purposes.

Somerset High School works with a Career Technician who assists students in preparing and implementing career preparation activities appropriate for each grade level. Students also have access to college/career exploration software..

The school provides students practical work experiences beyond the classroom setting. Some of these opportunities included:  ROP, guest speakers from local businesses, ROTC and related military activities, and vocational education experiences.


Enrollment and Program Completion in Career/Technical Education (CTE) Programs
Data reported are from the Report of Career-Technical Education Enrollment and Program Completion for School Year 2001-2002 (CDE 101 E-1). Data have been aggregated to the district level.

 CTE Participants 

 Secondary CTE Students

 Grade 12 CTE Students

 Total
Course
Enrollment

 Number
of
Concentrators

 Number
of
Completers

 Completion
Rate

 Number
of
Completers

 Number
Earning
Diploma

 Graduation
Rate

 2,056

 748

 343

 45.8

 285

 208

 72.9


IX. Fiscal and Expenditure Data

Average Salaries (Fiscal Year 2001-2002)
Data reported are the district average salary for teachers, principals, and superintendents, compared to the state average salaries for districts of the same type and size, as defined by Education Code Section 41409. The district average principal salary is shown separately for elementary, middle, and high schools, but the state average principal salary is combined.

 Category

 District
Amount

 State Average
For Districts
In Same Category

 Beginning Teacher Salary

 $40,424

 $35,278

 Mid-Range Teacher Salary

 $59,468

 $56,381

 Highest Teacher Salary

 $72,107

 $72,141

 Average Principal Salary (Elementary)

 $95,295

 $88,747

 Average Principal Salary (Middle)

 n/a

 Average Principal Salary (High)

 $110,786

 Superintendent Salary

 $171,632

 $145,316

 Percent of Budget for Teacher Salaries

 44.95%

 43.30%

 Percent of Budget for Administrative Salaries

 10.92%

 5.44%


Expenditures (Fiscal Year 2001-2002)
Data reported are total dollars expended in the district, and the dollars expended per student at the district compared to the state average. Detailed information regarding expenditures may be found at the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fiscal/financial/.

 District

 District

 State Average
For Districts
In Same Category

 State Average
All Districts

 Total Dollars

 Dollars per Student
(ADA)

 Dollars per Student
(ADA)

 Dollars per Student
(ADA)

 $89,871,477

 $6,030

 $6,770

 $6,719


Types of Services Funded

The ADA dollars cited in the table above provide services budgeted from the general fund including regular classroom instruction and support, special education, counseling, psychology, child welfare and attendance and program assessment. Additional services funded as categorical programs include: Title 1 and Title VI assistance to targeted populations, Caring Connections community services, services for English Learners, School Improvement Programs (SIP), Safety and Violence Prevention, Drug and Tobacco Education (DATE), Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE); and Safe and Drug Free Schools.