RCSD Makes Progress in English Learner Achievement While Addressing Challenges in New 2024 California School Dashboard Results
The 2024 California School Dashboard, released by the California Department of Education (CDE), highlights significant progress for Redwood City School District (RCSD) in key areas, with a great leap in English Learner Progress (ELP) from red to green. However, the district recognizes the need for continued efforts to address academic achievement, particularly in mathematics, which dipped from yellow to orange.
The California School Dashboard is an essential accountability tool for evaluating district and school performance across multiple state and local measures. Using a color-coded system from red (lowest) to blue (highest), the Dashboard provides insight into student success and areas requiring intervention. The 2024 results reflect both the ongoing challenges of pandemic recovery and the district’s targeted strategies to support its diverse student population.
Key Highlights for RCSD in 2024
English Learner Progress (ELP):
RCSD saw a notable improvement in English Learner Progress, with 47.3% of English learners making progress, a 7.2% increase over 2023. This achievement earned the district a green rating, signifying substantial growth. Superintendent Dr. John Baker attributed this success to “dedicated efforts by teachers, staff, and families working collaboratively to support language acquisition.”
Declining Chronic Absenteeism:
Chronic absenteeism decreased by 6.4%, moving the district from orange to yellow. This improvement reflects strategic outreach efforts, including parent engagement programs and school-level interventions to ensure students are present and ready to learn.
Lower Suspension Rates:
Suspension rates continued to decline, with a 0.7% drop to just 2.5% of students suspended at least one day, earning the district a green rating. “This reduction highlights our commitment to creating supportive and inclusive school environments,” Dr. Baker noted.
English Language Arts (ELA):
RCSD maintained its orange rating in ELA, with students performing 16.8 points below the standard—a slight 4.5-point decline compared to 2023. Despite this, RCSD remains aligned with the state average, showing resilience amidst ongoing academic recovery efforts.
Mathematics:
Mathematics saw a dip in performance, moving from yellow to orange, with students scoring 40.5 points below the standard—a 4.6-point decline from the previous year. Dr. Baker emphasized, “While this result is not what we hoped for, it reaffirms our commitment to accelerating growth in math through targeted programs and professional development.”
Strategies for Continued Growth
RCSD has already launched several initiatives to address areas of concern, including the implementation of the K-5 Mathematics Curriculum, the K-2 Science of Reading Framework, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). These strategies aim to close learning gaps and provide personalized support to students.
Assistant Superintendent Anna Herrera highlighted the role of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) in shaping the district’s response to the Dashboard results:
“By tailoring actions and interventions based on the specific needs highlighted in the Dashboard, we are ensuring that every student has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
RCSD’s achievements align with broader trends across San Mateo County and California, which saw improvements in chronic absenteeism and suspension rates. However, persistent challenges remain for Long-Term English Learners and students facing socio-economic disadvantages.
As RCSD continues to navigate the post-pandemic educational landscape, the district remains committed to fostering growth and resilience among its students.
Dr. Baker expressed optimism:
“While there is still work to be done, the progress we’ve made in key areas like English Learner Progress and reducing absenteeism demonstrates our district’s determination to support every child. Together, with our families and community, we are building a stronger future for all students.”
Parents, educators, and community members are encouraged to review the full 2024 California School Dashboard results online and engage with RCSD’s ongoing efforts to enhance student outcomes.