Brandywine Heights Area School District

The Brandywine Heights Area School District is a small, rural public school district located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It serves the Borough of Topton and District Township, Longswamp Township and Rockland Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Brandywine Heights Area School District encompasses approximately 59 square miles (150 km2). According to 2010 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 12,876. In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $23,424, while the median family income was $58,993.[3] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[4] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[5] According to District officials, in school year 2009-10, Brandywine Heights Area School District provided basic educational services to 1,800 pupils. It employed: 149 teachers, 102 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 12 administrators. Brandywine Heights Area School District received more than $8 million in state funding in school year 2009-10.

Brandywine Heights Area School District
Address
200 West Weis Street

Topton
,
Berks County
,
Pennsylvania
19562-1532

United States
Information
TypePublic
School board9 locally elected members
SuperintendentAndrew Potteiger
AdministratorThomas Voelker, Assistant to the Superintendent Brian Pawling, Business Manager
Faculty137 teachers
GradesK-12
Age5 years old to 21 years old for special education students
Number of pupils1754 pupils 2011[1]
 • Kindergarten124
 • Grade 1114
 • Grade 2127
 • Grade 3104
 • Grade 4120
 • Grade 5131
 • Grade 6129
 • Grade 7140
 • Grade 8156
 • Grade 9141
 • Grade 10166
 • Grade 11149
 • Grade 12139
 • OtherEnrollment projected to be 1700 in 2020[2]
Color(s)maroon and white
MascotBullet
Team nameBullets
RivalKutztown
Per pupil spending$14,256 (2008)
Per pupil spending$16,444.59 (2010) 69th in state
Websitehttp://www.bhasd.org

The district operates: Brandywine Heights High School (9th-12th), Brandywine Heights Middle School (6th-8th), Brandywine Heights Intermediate School (4th-5th), and Brandywine Heights Elementary School (K-3rd).

Governance

The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serves without compensation for a term of four years.), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[6] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Brandywine Heights Area School Board and District Administration a "C" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.[7]

Academic achievement

Brandywine Heights Area School District was ranked 205th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2012.[8] The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing math and science.[9] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs.

  • 2011 - 167th[10]
  • 2010 - 142nd[11]
  • 2009 - 178th
  • 2008 - 201st
  • 2007 - 185th out of 501 school districts.[12]
Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Brandywine Heights Area School District ranked 472nd. In 2009, the district was 468th.[13] The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[14]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Brandywine Heights Area School District achieved AYP status.[15] In 2011, Brandywine Heights Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[16] Brandywine Heights Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010.[17]

  • 2005 - Making Progress - School Improvement I
  • 2004 - School Improvement I due to low student achievement
  • 2003 - Warning due to lagging student achievement.

Graduation rate

In 2012, The District’s graduation rate was 89%.[18] In 2011, the graduation rate was 84%.[19] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Brandywine Heights High School's rate was 83.8% for 2010.[20]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

High school

Brandywine Heights High School is located at 103 Old Topton Road, Mertztown. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 632 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 96 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 49 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[25] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[26]

In 2012, Brandywine Heights High School achieved AYP status.[27] In 2011, Btandywine Heights High School was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[28]

PSSA results

11th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 85% on grade level, 52% advanced. State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[29]
  • 2011 - 76% (13% below basic). State - 69.1%[30]
  • 2010 - 78%, (11% below basic). State - 66%[31]
  • 2009 - 74% (9% below basic). State - 65%[32]
  • 2008 - 74% (10% below basic). State - 65%[33]
  • 2007 - 67% (17% below basic). State - 65%[34]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 64% on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[35]
  • 2011 - 59% (22% below basic). State - 60.3%[36]
  • 2010 - 58% (20% below basic). State - 59%[37]
  • 2009 - 57% (19% below basic). State - 56%.[38]
  • 2008 - 58% (20% below basic). State - 56%[39]
  • 2007 - 49% (32% below basic). State - 53%[40]

11th Grade Science:

  • 2012 - 66% on grade level (5% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[41]
  • 2011 - 53% (12% below basic). State - 40%[42]
  • 2010 - 52% (6% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 62% (6% below basic). State - 40%[43]
  • 2008 - 51% (10% below basic). State - 39%[44]

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 59% of the Brandywine Heights High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[45] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.[46] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Brandywine Heights High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[47] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[48] The District has agreements with Reading Area Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College.

For the 2009-10 funding year, Brandywine Heights Area School District applied for and received a state grant of $33236 for the program.[49] The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward G. Rendell due to a state budget crisis in 2010.

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Brandywine Heights Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 26.6 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in Mathematics 4 credits, English 4 credits, Science 4 credits, social studies 3.5 credits, Physical Education 0.5 credits, Health 0.5 credit, music/art/family consumer science 1.1 credits and 9 electives.[50]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[51] Brandywine Heights Area School District has adopted a complex process which includes the student creating a portfolio that includes 10 graded pieces.[52] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[53]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2017, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams.[54][55][56] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level.[57] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

SAT scores

In 2012, 97 Brandywine Heights Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 509. The Math average score was 493. The Writing average score was 480. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 111 Brandywine Heights School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 492. The Math average score was 486. The Writing average score was 482.[58] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[59] In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.[60]

Middle school

Brandywine Heights Middle School is located at 200 West Weis Street, Topton. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 554 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 108 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 47 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[61] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[62]

In 2012, Brandywine Heights Middle School achieved AYP status.[63] In 2011, Brandywine Heights Middle School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading.

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Science:

  • 2012 - 77% on grade level (6% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2011 - 78% (12% below basic). State – 58.3%
  • 2010 - 67% (17% below basic). State – 57%[69]
  • 2009 - 79% (9% below basic). State - 55%[70]
  • 2008 - 73%, (10% below basic). State - 52%
  • 2007 - tested, but results not made public.

References
  1. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data - Brandywine Heights Area School District, 2011
  2. Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Enrollment and Projections by school district".
  3. US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009
  4. US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts, 2010
  5. US Census Bureau, Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010, September 2011
  6. Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010
  7. The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. "The Pennsylvania Project". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  8. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 6, 2012). "Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide ranking". Archived from the original on 2012-10-16.
  9. "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2012". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 5, 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-10-23.
  10. "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2011". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23.
  11. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 30, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2010".
  12. "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 23, 2007. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011.
  13. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Overachivers Ranking Information, April 6, 2012
  14. "Overachiever statewide ranking". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 6, 2010.
  15. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights Area School District AYP Overview 2012, September 21, 2012
  16. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Public School District AYP History, 2011
  17. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania District AYP History 2003-2010, 2011
  18. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Brandywine Heights Area School District AYP Data Table 2012". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2013.
  19. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights Area School District AYP Data Table 2011, September 29, 2011
  20. Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". Archived from the original on September 14, 2010.
  21. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card Data table 2010, October 20, 2010
  22. The Times-Tribune (June 27, 2010). "PA School District Statistical Snapshot Database 2008-09".
  23. The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "Berks County School Districts Graduation Rates 2008".
  24. Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-05-07. Retrieved 2013-03-11.
  25. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - Brandywine Heights High School, 2010
  26. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Brandywine Heights High School, September 29, 2011
  27. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Area High School Academic Report Card 2012, September 21, 2012
  28. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights High School Academic Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
  29. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2012). "2011-2012 PSSA and AYP Results".
  30. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
  31. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Results".
  32. The Times-Tribune (September 14, 2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 PSSA results".
  33. Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 15, 2008). "2007-2008 PSSA and AYP Results".
  34. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "PSSA Math and Reading results".
  35. Pittsburgh Post Gazette (October 15, 2012). "How is your school doing?".
  36. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
  37. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
  38. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
  39. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008, August 15, 2008
  40. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights High School Academic Achievement Report Card, 2007
  41. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Brandywine Heights High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2013.
  42. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science".
  43. The Times-Tribune (2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 Science PSSA results".
  44. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Report on PSSA Science results by school and grade 2008".
  45. Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 20, 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report,". Archived from the original on 2012-05-03.
  46. National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2008
  47. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Dual Enrollment Guidelines".
  48. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 2010). "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement".
  49. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment Allocations to school districts for 2010-11".
  50. Brandywine Heights Area School District Administration, Brandywine Heights Area School District Comprehensive Plan July 2013 to June 2016, 2013
  51. Pennsylvania State Board of Education. "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements".
  52. Brandywine Heights Area School District, GRaduation PRoject handbook 2013, 2010
  53. Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Proposed changes to Chapter 4, May 10, 2012
  54. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Keystone Exam Overview" (PDF).
  55. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". Archived from the original on 2012-03-17.
  56. Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4".
  57. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Keystone Exams".
  58. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011". Archived from the original on 2011-10-15.
  59. College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania". Archived from the original on 2011-10-08.
  60. "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011.
  61. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – Brandywine Heights Middle School, 2010
  62. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Brandywine Heights Middle School, September 29, 2011
  63. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights Middle School AYP Overview, September 21, 2012
  64. Pittsburgh Post Gazette (October 15, 2012). "How is your school doing?".
  65. Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 15, 2008). "Reading and Math PSSA 2008 by Schools".
  66. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Brandywine Heights Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2013.
  67. Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (September 14, 2010). "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing Results".
  68. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
  69. Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2010). "Science PSSA 2010 by Schools".
  70. Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2009). "Science PSSA 2009 by Schools".
  71. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
  72. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
  73. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008, August 15, 2008
  74. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Brandywine Heights Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2007, 2007
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