The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) recently released the first School Climate Star Rating Report, which aims to give parents a thumbnail look at the quality and culture of a school.
The Star Climate Rating average for Rockdale County Public Schools system is 87.038 (out of 100).
RCPS's elementary schools averaged 91.108, middle schools averaged 87.675, and high schools averaged 82.333. Out of Rockdale's three main high schools, Salem received a "4 star" rating, while Heritage and Rockdale County High received a "3 star" rating.
According to the GADOE, School climate refers to the quality and character of school life - the "culture" of a school. A sustainable, positive school climate fosters youth development and student learning, which are essential elements for academic success, career-skill improvement and overall quality of life. The School Climate Star Rating helps determine whether a school is on the right path to school improvement.
"Research has shown us that school climate has a strong impact on student achievement," State School Superintendent
Richard Woods said. "The data used to develop the 2014 Star Ratings proves this once again. If your school has a positive climate, it's giving students the environment they need to learn. You'll likely see high achievement there - or a school that's on the right track toward high achievement."
Each school in Georgia received a 1-5 star ratings, with five stars representing an excellent school climate, and one star representing a school climate most in need of improvement. School Climate Star Ratings are an informational tool for
schools, administrators, and parents; they do not affect the school's College & Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) score.
"I am pleased with our Climate Star averages," says RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry. "With this being a brand new measurement calculation, we will take the necessary time to analyze the report and determine areas for improvement."
Parents are encouraged to take the Georgia Schools Parent Survey by March 27th which can be found on the RCPS web site at www.rockdale.k12.ga.us . Survey participation rates will be a factor in determining Star Climate Rating in next year's calculation.
