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By  D. Scott Hughes, Executive Director Alliance For Education

At the November 3 meeting of the District PTA I had the honor of serving as the program presenter.  That day I choose to present a program entitled “SPS & PTA – A Direct Connection”.  I presented some data that showed more clearly what School Performance Scores (SPS) really mean.  After reviewing what comprises the SPS scores and reviewing the good results posted by Caddo Parish for the past school year I took a look at what the various levels of SPS really mean.

The goal of the Accountability Program is to get all schools to an SPS score of 100.  Currently statewide 300 of 1,300 schools (23%) have hit this target goal and here in Caddo 16 of 66 (24%) have done so.  What does 100 SPS mean?  It is a test metric that reflects on average at a school with a 100 SPS 75% of children are at or above grade level.  That means 25% of children at a school with an SPS score of 100 are below grade level.

The State average is an SPS score of 86.  In Caddo we have 24 of 66 (36%) with a score of at least 86.  What does 86 SPS mean?  It means on average a school with an 86 SPS has 56% of children at or above grade level.  That means 44% of children at a school with an SPS score of 86 are below grade level. 

The minimum SPS allowed to avoid sanctions and possible State takeover is an SPS of 60.  Statewide 55 of 1,300 (4%) are below 60 SPS.  In Caddo we currently have 7 of 66 (11%), although our numbers here are rapidly improving.  What does 60 SPS mean?  It means on average a school with an 60 SPS has 35% of children at or above grade level.  That means 65% of children at a school with an SPS score of 60 are below grade level.  It means something has to be done.  The collective “we” must do something.

I believe firmly a big that of that “something” is more and better PTA’s.  When you look at the data there is a direct link between those schools with a very active PTA and good SPS scores.  So much so in fact that I believe you can make a mathematical equation:  PTA = SPS.  It is that simple.  And as with any math equation with an equal sign, what you do to one side directly affects the other side of the equation.  If PTA is non-existent or weak, then expect a weaker SPS score.  But if we can improve or in many cases, start a PTA at a struggling school then we can fully expect improved SPS scores.  Parental and community involvement matters.

So the question becomes whose role is it to start PTA’s, and are we being as effective with the ones we already have in place.  I believe firmly the role of starting a local school site PTA is the responsibility of the school and the District PTA.  The Alliance and other community partners will help, but it will require the leadership of the PTA structure to make units happen at those schools without a functioning unit.  The data is clear that PTA works.  We need to all help make it work for all children and schools in Caddo Parish.