I chose to compare the high school I graduated from, High Tech High School and my town high school, Union City High School. High Tech is a magnet, public school which accepts students from all over Hudson County, which includes Union City. I have to be honest, I knew comparing these two report cards would show many differences which is mainly why I selected them. Moreover, although it has been roughly 7 years since I graduated from high school, I wanted so see how the statistics would have stacked between my two main options for high school.
The first thing I noticed was the difference in student to computer ratio. With a name like High Tech High School you would correctly assume that they would be more advanced in technology. HT's ratio is 0.8 while Union City's is 1.8. However, what surprised me more was that High Tech has 690 computers in the classroom while Union City has none! 0! Granted they have them all in computer labs and have about double the amount, however they also have about 4 times as many students enrolled.
In reviewing results of standardized tests, the gap only got larger. On the HSPA, High Tech High School scored above 98% proficient or advanced in Language arts literacy and 96% proficient or advanced in math. Union City on the other hand scored 74% proficient or advanced in Language arts literacy and 59% proficient or advanced in math. 82% of HT students took the SATs while only 57% of UC students did. Finally, the average 2009-2010 SAT score for High Tech High School was a 1658 while Union City's was a 1208. These numbers are just depressing and upsetting. I understand the reasons behind such huge gaps, I just feel more can be done to close it. This just shows that students start falling behind before high school and it is a slippery slope to where they just give up and don't have the same chance of success as others.
It is amazing to me that taking the SAT is optional. Why not take them? If you don't go you don't go. You just never know. It is so true that so many children fall behind in both math, science and English that they just can't keep up. This of course sets them up for failure on the SAT and getting into a good school. It really is so important to make sure the kids truly understand the material. That responsibility falls to both the teachers and the parents.
ReplyDeleteRosanna
Ok, I just learned that taking SATs was optional (I've been living under a rock). I totally agree with the mentality that parents really need to pick up the slack. They can't depend on teacher's to do everything. I currently do see some trends in the schools I substitute teach at. The kids tell me that their parents don't help them with their homework at all! Sad, but true it happens so much. Many kids do most of their homework in the afterschool program with other students and if they need help teachers in program assist them.
ReplyDeleteThe reason SATs are optional is that you have to pay to take them. If your child isn't going to go to college there's no reason to spend the money. What jumped out in your comparison was the fact that High Tech HS has 690 computers in the classrooms. doea each student have a computer assigned to him or is there a class set of computers in each room, kind of like a lab? This is what I'm wondering....
ReplyDeleteGood analysis, Lauren.
PS: I think you would want to go into your settings and change your blog title from "introduction" to Lauren's blog or something like that.