Susquehanna Township High School

Susquehanna Township High School
Location
Harrisburg, PA
Information
Type	Public high school
School district	Susquehanna Township School District
Faculty	66.4 Full Time (as of 2009-2010)[1]
Grades	9 to 12
Enrollment	Coeducational
Number of students	996 (2010)
Color(s)	Red and White
Athletics	Indians (boys), Lady Indians (Girls)
Athletics conference	PIAA
Mascot	Indian
Affiliation	Secular
Community	Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Address	3550 Elmerton Avenue
Website

Susquehanna Township High School is a midsized, public high school located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania serving students from Susquehanna Township. The school provides grades 9 through 12. In 2014, the school had 898 pupils, with 35.9% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 13% of pupils received special education services, while 6.9% of pupils were identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind in 2014.

In 2010, 253 students were eligible for the federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian - 454, Hispanic - 41, Black - 448, Asian and Pacific Islanders - 46 and Alaskan/Native American - 1.^[2] In 2010, the school employed 64 teachers yielding a student teacher ratio of 16:1.^[3] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[4]

Graduation rate

In 2015, the District’s graduation rate was 93%.^[5]

• 2014 - declined to 94.5%.^[6]
• 2013 - 94%.^[7]
• 2013 - 88%.^[8]
• 2012 - 90%^[9]
• 2011 - 91%.^[10]
• 2010 - 87%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.^[11]

Calculated under former formula

• 2010 - 97% ^[12]
• 2009 - 98% ^[13]
• 2008 - 94%
• 2007 - 94% ^[14]

Academic achievement

2015 School Performance Profile

Susquehanna Township High School achieved 62.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement.The PDE reported that 73% of the High School’s students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 63.9% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 58.5% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[15] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.^[16][17]

2014 School Performance Profile

Susquehanna Township High School achieved 65 out of 100, which reflects achievement in grade level reading, mathematics and science. In reading/literature - 74% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 64% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, 48% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[18][19] 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%.^[20]

2013 School Performance Profile

Susquehanna Township High School achieved 65.8 out of 100, which reflects achievement in grade level reading, mathematics and science. In reading/literature - 75.9% of tested students were on grade level. In Algebra 1, only 61% showed on grade level skills at the end of their Algebra course. In Biology, 32% showed on grade level science understanding.^[21] 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.

Adequate Yearly Progress

In 2012, Susquehanna Township High School declined to School Improvement Level I Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to low student achievement in math and reading.^[22] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes. Additionally, the School administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.^[23] Susquehanna Township High School was eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.^[24]

• 2011 - declined to Warning status due to lower student achievement.^[25]
• 2010 - achieved AYP status.
• 2009 - Warning status due to low student achievement.^[26]
• 2008 - achieved AYP status.
• 2007 - achieved AYP status.
• 2006 - Warning status due to low student achievement.^[27]

2003-2005 - achieved AYP status each school year

PSSA Results

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. 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.^[28] In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.^[29]

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 71% on grade level, (8% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[30]
• 2011 - 65% (16% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[31]
• 2010 - 73%, State - 67%
• 2009 - 65%, State - 65%
• 2008 - 77%, State - 65% ^[32]
• 2007 - 73%, State - 65% ^[33]

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 60% on grade level (24% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[34]
• 2011 - 57% (23% below basic). State - 60.3%.
• 2010 - 61%, State - 59% ^[35]
• 2009 - 60%, State - 56% ^[36]
• 2008 - 68%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 54%, State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 41% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 32% (25% below basic). State - 40%
• 2010 - 39%, State - 39% ^[37]
• 2009 - 35%, State - 40%
• 2008 - 34%, State - 39% ^[38]

Science in Motion Susquehanna Township 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 Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.^[39] Susquehanna University provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 44% of Susquehanna Township School District 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.^[40] 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.^[41] 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.

SAT Scores

In 2014, 158 Susquehanna Township School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 487. The Math average score was 496. The Writing average score was 452.^[42] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.^[43]

In 2013, 164 Susquehanna Township School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 487. The Math average score was 500. The Writing average score was 464. 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.^[44]

In 2012, 185 Susquehanna Township School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 473. The Math average score was 488. The Writing average score was 451. 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, 149 Susquehanna Township High School students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 496. The Math average score was 505. The Writing average score was 476.^[45] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[46] 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.^[47]

Dual Enrollment program

Susquehanna Township 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 at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.^[48] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[49] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $37,971 for the program.

Similar to Dual Enrollment, the high school also offers seniors the chance to enroll at Capital Area School for the Arts for half of the day. Credits earned at the CASA program transfer to the high school transcript.

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 25 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in math, English, social studies, science, Physical Education and electives.

The Susquehanna Township School Board requires that each candidate for graduation shall have earned 25 credits including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Mathematics 3 credits, Health & Physical Education 2 credits, Careers 0.25 credits, Information Literacy Skills 0.17 credits, and Elective & Major Sequences 8.58 credits.^[50][51]

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.^[52] 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.^[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.^[54][55][56] The Keystone Exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.^[57]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.^[58][59] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.^[60] 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.^[61] 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.

AP Courses

In 2014, Susquehanna Township High School offered 17 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The students pay to take the AP exam. The fee for each AP Exam is $91 (2014).^[62] The school normally retains $9 of that fee as a rebate to help with administrative costs. In 2012, the fee was $89 per test per pupil. 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 to a student based on their AP exam score. 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 Susquehanna Township High School 47% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[63] In 2015, the School again offered 17 AP courses, with 61.6 % of students who took an AP course achieved a 3 or better on the AP exam given by the College Board.

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Mathematics) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Susquehanna Township School District did not apply for funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08, Susquehanna Township School District received $171,104. In 2008–09, the District received $52,046 for a total funding of $223,150.^[64] Among the public school districts in Dauphin County, the highest award was given to Harrisburg City School District which received $692,809. 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.

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.^[65] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades. High school’s applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Susquehanna Township did no t participate in any year of the grant.^[66][67] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.^[68]

Extracurriculars

Susquehanna Township School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly competitive sports program. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policies.^[69][70] Susquehanna Township does not charge a fee for participation in extracurriculars.^[71] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[72]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.^[73]

According to 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.^[74][75][76]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[77]

Susquehanna Township School District does not provide its athletics disclosure form on its web site.^[78] Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012-13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.^[79]

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 and present the certification before coaching.^[80][81]

Susquehanna Township SD does not charge a fee to participate in athletics. A joint Pennsylvania School Board Association and Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association survey, conducted in 2012, found nearly one third (30%) of public school respondents indicated charging individual students $10 to $250, with a statewide average of $65 per-sport.^[82][83]

The District funds:

According to PIAA directory July 2015^[84]

Notable Alumni

• Marques Colston, wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL
• Ed Ruth, wrestler, transferred out in his senior year (the 2008-2009 school year)

References

Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Schools
Main School Districts Central Dauphin Central Dauphin High School Central Dauphin East High School Derry Township Hershey High School Halifax Area Halifax Area High School Halifax Area Middle School Harrisburg Harrisburg High School Harrisburg University of Science and Technology High School Lower Dauphin Lower Dauphin High School Middletown Area Middletown Area High School Millersburg Millersburg Area High School Steelton-Highspire Steelton-Highspire High School Susquehanna Township Susquehanna Township High School Upper Dauphin Upper Dauphin Area High School
Other Schools Charter schools Capital Area School for the Arts Infinity Charter School Premier Arts and Science Charter School Sylvan Heights Science Charter School Private schools Berrysburg Christian Academy Covenant Christian Academy Emmanuel Wesleyan Academy Harrisburg Christian School Middletown Christian School Milton Hershey School Wordsworth Academy Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt High School Susquenita School District (partially located in Perry County) Susquenita High School Williams Valley School District (partially located in Schuylkill County) Williams Valley Junior/Senior High School

Coordinates: 40°18′00″N 76°50′34″W / 40.29998°N 76.84275°W / 40.29998; -76.84275