Fairfield Area High School

Fairfield Area High School
Fairfield Area High School
Location
	4840 Fairfield Road; Fairfield, Pennsylvania; 17320; United States
Information
Type	Public
Superintendent	Karen C Kugler (salary $145,000; contract July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019)[1]; William B. Chain (salary $115,350 in 2012; resigned June 2015[2]
Principal	Brian W. McDowell
Faculty	35
Grades	9th through 12th
Enrollment	366 (2016)[3]; 404 pupils (2012)
• Grade 9	98 (2016), 96 (2012)
• Grade 10	91 (2016), 95 (2012)
• Grade 11	79 (2016), 110 (2012)
• Grade 12	98 (2016), 103 (2012)
Student to teacher ratio	15:1
Campus type	Rural
Color(s)	Green and gold
Mascot	Green Knight
Athletic Director	Crystal Heller
Website	Fairfield Area High School

Fairfield Area High School is a small, rural, public high school located in the borough of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, United States. The school serves students from most of southwestern Adams County. In 2016, enrollment was reported as 366 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 19% of pupils eligible for free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 7.9% of pupils received special education services, while 2.9% of pupils were identified as gifted.[4] The school employed 29 full-time teachers.[5] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[6]

Map of Adams County, Pennsylvania school districts

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011 the school reported an enrollment of 400 pupils in 9th through 12th grades. Twelve percent of pupils were eligible for federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2011, Fairfield Area High School had 15 students for every full-time equivalent teacher. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[7]

The school's mascot is the Green Knight. The school is part of the Fairfield Area School District.

Graduation rate

In 2016, Fairfield Area School District's graduation rate rose to 93.6%.[8]

2015 – 89.81%[9]
2014 – 94.9%[10]
2013 – 93.8%[11]
2012 – 89%[12]
2011 – 85.29%.[13]
2010 – 87%. Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new four-year cohort graduation rate in 2010.[14]

Under the former calculation formula:

2010 – 89%[15]
2009 – 88%[16]
2008 – 86%[17]
2007 – 86%[18]

Academic achievement

2016 School Performance Profile

The school's SPP is 75.5 out of 100 points.

Fairfield Area High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 74% of students were on grade level in reading/literature, and 62% of students demonstrated on-grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 59.7% of pupils demonstrated on-grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[19] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, Algebra I and Biology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.[20] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[21]

2015 School Performance Profile

The school's SPP was 75.9 points out of 100.

The PDE reported that 78.49% of the school's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 74% of students showed on-grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 64% demonstrated on-grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[22]

2014 School Performance Profile

Fairfield Area High School achieved a SPP of 83.1 out of 100. This reflects on-grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 77% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 70.5% showed on-grade level skills. In biology, 60.9% demonstrated on-grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[23] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[24]

2013 School Performance Profile

Fairfield Area High School achieved 81 out of 100. This reflects on-grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement.[25] In reading/literature, 82% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 63.56% showed on-grade level skills. In Biology, 47.6% showed on-grade level science understanding.[26] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools) achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, they now take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.

AYP history

Fairfield Area High School declined to "Warning" Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to lagging achievement in reading and mathematics. The school missed every metric measured.[27] Fairfield Area High School achieved AYP status under the Federal No Child Left Behind Act in 2011, 2010 and 2009.[28] From 2004 to 2008, the school achieved AYP status each school year. In 2003, the school was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[29]

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs, are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012 in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's academic standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.[30] The science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[31]

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, reading/literature and Biology 1. The exams are given at the end of the applicable course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[32] The state announced the change in 2010, and made it in order to comply with Governor Edward G. Rendell's agreement to change to the national Common Core standards.[33]

PSSA results

11th grade reading

2012 – 71% on grade level, (8% below basic). State – 67% of 11th graders wrre on grade level.[34]
2011 – 77.5% (6% below basic). 69.1%[35]
2010 – 61%, state – 67%[36]
2009 – 68%, state – 65%[37]
2008 – 62%, state – 65%[38]
2007 – 54%, state – 65%[39]

11th grade math:

2012 – 68% on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders were on grade level.[40]
2011 – 65.4% (15% below basic). State – 60.3%
2010 – 62%, state – 59%[41]
2009 – 58%, state – 56%[42]
2008 – 48%, state – 56%[43]
2007 – 39%, state – 53%

11th grade science:

2012 – 49% on grade level (3% below basic). State – 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[44]
2011 – 44.9% (13% below basic). State – 40%
2010 – 33%, state – 39%
2009 – 30%, state – 40%[45]
2008 – 35%, state – 39%[46]

Science in Motion

Fairfield Area High School did not take advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.[47] Gettysburg College provides the science enrichment experiences.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 40% of Fairfield Area 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.[48][49] 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.[50] 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. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.[51][52]

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. Fairfield Area School District School Board has determined that a student must earn 27 credits in order to graduate: English 4 credits, Speech 0.5 credits, Math 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 3-4 credits, Health 1 credit, Physical Education 2 credits, Driver Education 0.5 credits, Personal Finance 0.5 credits and elective courses 6.5credits.[53]

By law, all Pennsylvania high school students were required to complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations were set by the individual school district.[54] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[55]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019,[56] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[57] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[58]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exams, and those who do not pass may to perform a project in order to graduate.[59][60] For the class of 2019, a composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, a civics and government exam will be added.[61] 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.[62] 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 2015, 57 Fairfield Area School District students took the SAT. The district's average verbal score was 513. The average math score was 523. The average writing score was 482.[63] The College Board also reported that statewide, 96,826 pupils took the exams, with average scores declining in all three measurers to 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.[64]

In 2014, 65 Fairfield Area School District students took the SAT. The district's average verbal score was 506. The average math score was 515. The average writing score was 470.[65][66] Statewide in Pennsylvania, the average verbal score was 497. The average math score was 504. The average writing score was 480. The College Board reported that nationwide scores were 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[67] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SAT in the United States.

In 2013, 50 Fairfield Area School District students took the SAT. The district's average verbal score was 490. The average math score was 506. The average writing score was 479. The College Board reported that statewide scores were 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.[68]

In 2012, 53 Fairfield Area High School students took the SAT. The school's average verbal score was 483. The average math score was 500. The average writing average score was 470. The statewide average SAT results were 491 in verbal, 501 in math, and 480 in writing. In the US, 1.65 million students took the exams, achieving scores of 496 in verbal, 514 in math, and 488 in writing. The maximum score on each section was 800, and, according to the College Board, 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 35 Fairfield Area High School students took the SAT. The school's average verbal score was 490. The average math score was 501. The average writing score was 476.[69] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: verbal – 493, math – 501, and writing – 479.[70] In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 in verbal, 514 in math and 489 in writing.[71]

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania's SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 resulted in Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.[72]

The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 71 percent of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania chose to continue their education after high school in 2003, whereas 79 percent of urban high school graduates opted to continue their education.

AP courses

In 2013, Fairfield Area High School did not offer any Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Near the end of the 2013-2014 school year, the school announced that it would offer AP courses in Statistics, 12th grade English, and 12th grade Social Studies. The courses were available in the 2014-2015 school year. No students took AP exams in 2014-15.

In 2016, Fairfield High School offered three AP courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board-approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students who achieve a 3 or better on the exam may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded based on AP scores. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Fairfield Area High School just 27% of the students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[73]

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funds to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, science, history, and math), along with other specialized equipment, and provided funding for teacher training to optimize the use of the computers. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Fairfield Area School District did not apply to participate, and consequently did not receive any funding over the three-year period of the program.[74] Among the public high schools in Adams County, Gettysburg Area High School received the largest funding, $341,842. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County – $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Hybrid Learning grant

In 2012 and 2013, Fairfield Area High School did not seek Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning grants.[75] Hybrid learning integrates new instructional technologies with proven teaching techniques to deliver a more personalized learning experience for students to master three skills essential to succeed in the modern economy: using technology, working in teams, and learning independently.[76]

Project 720

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth's high schools. Teachers were expected to use data-driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.[77] The "720" in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades.[78] High schools applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In the 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Fairfield Area High School did not apply to participate. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.[79]

School safety and bullying

Fairfield Area High School administration reported no incidents of bullying in 2014. There was one incident of harassment of a student and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in two incidents at the School, with two arrests made.[80]

Fairfield Area High School administration reported zero incidents of bullying in 2012. There were two assaults on students and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in ten incidents at the school, but no arrests were made.[81][82] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center, which publishes the compiled reports online.

Fairfield Area School Board has provided the district's antibully/cyberbullying policy online.[83] All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. Each Pennsylvania public school must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. The district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.[84] The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.[85][86]

Education standards relating to student safety and anti-harassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention section in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[87]

Safe School grants

In 2013, Fairfield Area High School did not participate in the state Safe Schools Targeted Grant 2013. The maximum of $25,000 in grants were awarded through a competitive application process.[88] The funds must be used for research-based interventions, like peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate. The school also did not participate in the school resource officer grant program in 2013.[89]

Extracurriculars

Fairfield Area School District offers a wide variety of clubs and activities, and an extensive, costly sports program. The bulk of the programs and associated spending are centered on the high school students. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training before coaching.[90]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school, or home school, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as students enrolled in the district's schools.[91][92]

According to the PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti-child abuse training once every three years.[93][94][95]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[96]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training before coaching.[97][98]

The district funds:

Boys:

Baseball – AA
Basketball – AA
Cross country – A
Football – A
Golf – AA
Soccer – A
Track and field – AA
Wrestling - AA

Girls:

Basketball – AA
Cross country – A
Field hockey – AA
Soccer (fall) – A
Softball – AA
Track and field – AA
Volleyball – AA

The high school's sports programs are fed by the middle school's sports. Middle school sports: