Opportunities for Learning Charter Schools Score

Impressive Results in California Academic Performance Tests

 

Independent Study Program Outranks Its Peers Throughout the State in Effectively Meeting the Needs of Students at Risk of Dropping Out of School

 

LA CANADA, Calif. (May 25, 2006) – Showing dramatic improvement in its programs, one of the state’s largest independent study charter school programs today announced that its state test results exceed those of its counterparts statewide.

 

Opportunities For Learning (OFL), an accredited public charter school serving at-risk middle and high school students, compares favorably to the majority of similar schools throughout the state, according to data compiled from the California Department of Education. The scores are based on the state’s official accountability measurement standards, including Academic Performance Index (API) and the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

 

“These scores provide further evidence that our programs are effective in attacking the epidemic of teen dropouts, especially those who come from Hispanic and low-income families,” said Dr. Tom Goodman, chief education officer for OFL and its sister organization, Options for Youth, which posted similar scores. “This success is a tribute to our teachers and the proven approaches they use with their students.”

 

OFL’s students tend to be concentrated in the most “at-risk” groups including large numbers of socio-economically challenged, ethnic minorities, and pregnant and parenting teens and students who are not attending school or who have dropped out.

 

According to data collected from the state:

 

• All OFL charters’ API scores are an average of 130 points higher than alternative schools in the district that they operate

 

• OFL-William S. Hart Charter has a ranking of 8 out of 10 when compared with tests scores of similar schools in California

 

• In comparison to peer schools, OFL’s CAHSEE passage rates are an average 10-20 percent higher in English Language Arts and 5-10 percent higher in Math

 

• In comparison to the state average, OFL’s Hispanic students’ CAHSEE passage rates are 20 percent higher in English language arts

 

• OFL students who are socio-economically disadvantaged have a 15 percent higher CAHSEE passage rate in English language arts than the state average of the same subgroup.

 

“We also have made significant progress in ensuring that all our teachers become highly qualified as defined by the federal mandates spelled out in the No Child Left Behind Act,” said Goodman. “Currently 90 percent of OFL teachers meet that standard and the remainder will be compliant by the state established deadline.”

 

OFL charter schools are located throughout the Los Angeles area and serve approximately 13,000 students annually, with thousands on the waiting list.

 

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About Opportunities for Learning

Opportunities for Learning Charter Schools (OFL) is the operating name of three independent, WASC accredited charter schools with 22 learning centers located primarily in Los Angeles County.  Established by lifelong teachers and educators, John and Joan Hall in 1999, OFL began serving at-risk students who dropped out or were at risk of dropping out of school.  Over time, it has expanded its focus to become an innovator in the development of educational options, curriculum, programs and administrative services tailored to the needs of independent study and designed to expand opportunities for at-risk students.