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Valley High School lauded for commitment to raising graduation rates in West Ed study
Valley High School was the recipient of high praise in a report released by the California Comprehensive Center at West Ed in partnership with the American Institutes for Research and School Services of California. The report focused on successful transition strategies at California schools where graduation rates have significantly improved. Valley was one of nine high schools in California selected to take part in the study highlighting schools that are using successful approaches in easing the transition between middle school and high school and their accomplishments in raising the graduation rates at their schools. Of these nine schools, Valley was also one of four schools selected to host on-site visits consisting of West Ed representatives for more in-depth study. “Easing transitions for students as they matriculate through our schools and raising our graduation rate has truly been a team effort not only with Samuel Jackman Middle School, our primary feeder school, but also with the elementary schools in the Valley region,” said Keven MacDonald, principal at Valley. In addition to the regional education model, Valley’s highly-committed, team-oriented staff was given high marks in the report. Despite economic challenges, Valley’s staff has received grants to help fund programs to help students who may be identified as “at-risk” for failing to graduate. Valley offers credit remediation programs after school and a Saturday academic support program, as well as summer programs for incoming 9th grade students that preview high school class content, graduation requirements, study skills and helps students become familiar with each other and high school culture. Valley also boasts a strong counseling staff that starts working with middle school students on developing six-year plans to help guide them through their high school courses and goals, as well as post-secondary options. The counseling department was described as going “above and beyond” in developing individualized relationships with students to help connect them with their classes and teachers. “Elk Grove Unified’s commitment to establishing a regional focus on education has allowed the various regions in our district to create a regional brand or identity that shows a seamless approach to education from kindergarten through 12th grade,” MacDonald said. “Our Valley region has really taken this to heart and has integrated college-going culture and branding as well. Our motto ‘Go to (your elementary school), go to Jackman, go to Valley, go to college’ has helped create the mindset that college is a possibility for all of our students.” Jackman also received commendations in the report. Jackman’s status as an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Demonstration School, as well as providing opportunities for students and parents to attend college and career nights, field trips to colleges and visits to Valley prior to enrolling were cited as major factors in ensuring a smooth transition to high school and increasing the graduation rate at Valley. West Ed is a non-profit, public research and development agency. West Ed is also a Joint Powers agency, authorized through a California Joint Powers Agreement and governed by public entities in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. Across the country, WestEd works on evaluation and research-based projects, and in partnerships with schools, education agencies, policymakers, and others in education and human development. Click here to view the report in its entirety.
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