Mentor Schools District Rated 115th In State

The Ohio Department of Education released a preview of new performance index rankings of school districts and buildings. ranked 115th in the state out of 936 by this measurement.

When asked how this score differs from the that the state gives every district each year, ODE spokesman Dennis Evans said, "Performance index is actually one component of the state report card. There are other measures on the report card as well."

The performance index scores are different than those on the last report cards because this report used updated data on state testing. Scores are based on how well each student does on all tested subjects in grades three to eight on Ohio’s Achievement Assessments and on the 10th grade Ohio Graduation Test.

Students at all levels – advanced, accelerated, proficient, basic and limited – are included. The percentage of students scoring at each level is calculated and multiplied by the point value assigned to that performance level and the levels are totaled to determine overall score.

"It's a pretty simple formula," Evans said.

Evans stressed that the rankings released so far are preliminary. The final ranking released next year will also incorporate data on the amount of money devoted to classroom instruction and opportunities provided to gifted students.

"Going forward, the ranking will be based on other criteria as well. What we released last week is actually a preview," he said.

Mentor received a score of 103.79. The top score was 115.94. The district also met adequate yearly progress and value-added standards.

It received the second highest rank of any district in Lake County, trailing only Kirtland, whose schools scored 105.97 and was ranked 67th in the state. The next closest Lake County district is Perry, which scored 102 and was ranked 186.

The preliminary report also lists how much money the district spends per student. Mentor spends $12,214.

By comparison, Kirtland spent $12,306 per student; Perry, $13,350; Wickliffe, $12,434; and Willoughby-Eastlake, $11,088.

The ODE also ranked individiual schools. The ranked the 110th high school in the state. Kirtland High School ranked 73rd and South High School in Willoughby was 109.

A spreadsheet from the ODE that ranks every school district in the state has been attached to this story.