November 10, 2009

Introduction to DC Pubic SchoolsGUMSHOE Co-Director Lin Yang

Our Common PurposeThe shared goal of these thousands of people is to make DCPS the highest performing urban school district in the nation, and to once and for all close the achievement gap that separates low-income students and students of color from their higher-income and white peers.

What We BelieveAll children, regardless of background or circumstance, can achieve at the highest levels.

Achievement is a function of effort, not innate ability.

We have the power and the responsibility to close the achievement gap.

Our schools must be caring and supportive environments.

It is critical to engage our students’ families and communities as valued partners.

Our decisions at all levels must be guided by robust data.

School Type Schools Official Enrollment

Education Campus 19 6,344

Elementary School 66 20,230

Middle School 13 4,590

High School 17 12,512

Special Education School 6 596

Youth Engagement

Total Enrollment

8 1,950

46,222

DCPS 2009-2010 Portfolio

SY 07-08 SY 08-09

Black 79% 79%

Hispanic 12% 12%

Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 2%

Native American 0% 0%

White 7% 7%

Special Education 20% NA

Free/Reduced Meals 70% NA

English Language Learners 7% 9.3%

Student Demographics

National Assessment of Educational Progress

Graduation Rates

In early 2008, only 43 percent of students who enroll as ninth-graders in DCPS schools graduate within five years.

Only 9 percent of that same cohort graduate fromcollege within five years of matriculation.

2009-2010 DCPS Budget

Expenses were $820.5 million, against available funding of $779.5 million. The budget shortfall for FY 2010 was $43.9 million.

The shortfall was caused by: summer reductions (in June and August)—$20.5 million additional school-level resources—$20.5 million costs associated with separated employees—approximately $3 million

Description  Number of Staff Separated

Teachers Classroom teachers 229

Custodial Staff Custodial foreman and custodians

19

Office Staff Clerks, registrars, business managers and other administrative staff assigned to school offices

59

Student Support Staff 

Assistant principals, counselor and other staff that work directly with students but not assigned to classrooms

81

  Total 388

Employee SeverancesSix weeks into the 2009-2010 school year, in order to balance the fiscal budget,DCPS was forced to several contracts with 388 employees.

No Child Left BehindDC Public Schools are evaluated each year based on the 2002No Child Left Behind Act. NCLB is based on the belief that setting high standards and establishing measurable goals can improve individual educational outcomes.

Capital Gains ProgramIn 2008, DCPS partnered with Professor Fryer of Harvard University to create financial incentives to reward student performance.

Fifteen middle schools enrolled in the two-year pilot. Teachers award students points based on five areas including attendance, behavior and achievement.

Every two weeks, points are totaled and converted to dollars (approx. $2 per point). All students have individual bank accounts where the money is saved.

DC Student Enrollment