In Sequoia Union High School District, test scores tend to come in above the state average. However, certain segments of the student population do not always share in this success. In the 2007-08 school year, special ed students passed the CAHSEE at about half the rate of the “mainstream” population. As a district devoted to raising achievement across the board, Sequoia Union focused its attention on raising these students’ scores.
In evaluating options for special ed students, Sequoia Union High School District was looking for more than a one-size-fits-all program. Our program promised to give each student a customized path to success. Further, the program offered instruction in English and Spanish text and audio. This met the needs of English Learners and students with visual-spatial disabilities.
Sequoia Union High School District saw an immediate impact on its special education students. After implementing the program during the 2008-09 school year, first-time CAHSEE pass rates jumped to 54 percent in math and 53 percent in English-Language arts from 48 percent and 43 percent the year before. Beyond that, special education teachers noted an improvement in students’ overall performance in school, as students learned concepts and problem solving skills that they could apply beyond the exam.
Achievement gains were so significant that even when the state Department of Education lifted the requirement that special ed students pass the state exit exam, the district’s special education teachers appealed to the administration to maintain the Revolution K12 program. It is now being implemented as a broad-based learning tool.
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What I've appreciated most is the true partnership with our representative. I can basically call anybody for support at any time, and there's a constant drop-in to see how the quality of the program is going.
Ena LaVan Principal Ouchi High School
