Statistics

Today, I spent approximately 7 hours planning lessons. And I loved every minute of it. It's so exciting to really get started on this, and who doesn't love the scientific method? My first week agenda is as follows:
Day 1 - Classroom Procedures, What is Science
Day 2 - Intro to Line Graphing
Day 3 - Analyzing Line Graphs
Day 4 - Scientific Method: Problem, Hypothesis
Day 5 - Scientific Method: Procedure

It probably would have taken me fewer than 7 hours to make a week's worth of lesson plans, but it's hard to focus for that many hours in a day. Next time will be faster, better, or both.

Since my brain is mashed potatoes (from too much planning, not from the beer I just opened - this one's for you, Mama) and it's Friday night, I'll just share some statistics on North Star Academy that we learned at our retreat this week.

North Star Academy, which is Uncommon Schools' Newark branch, employs 267 people. 40% of them are new this year.

About 2300 students are currently enrolled in NSA's 4 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 1 high school. This comprises 5% of Newark's public school students.

NSA's expansion plans for the next few years will result in a total of 6 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 2 high schools. This will cover 12% of Newark's public school students.

NSA's graduating students' average 2-section SAT score is 1120, compared to the national average of around 1000. This is a higher average than the national average for white students. It is also higher than the average of SAT scores for any other non-selective urban school.

65% of NSA students will take an AP exam. Of these, 81% will pass (3 or better). Of all the students in NJ who take AP exams, 75% pass. In the world, 60%.

100% of NSA 12th-graders are accepted to 4-year colleges, compared to 23% of Newark public schools.

74% of NSA grads have completed or are enrolled in a 4-year college. 54% of those who have ever been with NSA, even for a year, have completed or are currently enrolled in a 4-year college. National average? Less than 40%.

From 2004-2012, there have been 190 high school graduates. 73% female, 27% male. 88% black, 11% Latino.

One of the biggest indicators of college success is enrollment in remedial classes. Students enrolled in remedial courses are half as likely to earn a degree in 3 or 4 years than those who aren't. From the class of 2012, 97% are attending college. Of these, 5% are enrolled in remedial reading or writing courses. 0% are enrolled in remedial math.

Throw in some pictures of kids studying and graduating, like they did at our retreat opening ceremony, and you'd be moved to tears too.