2015-16 School Climate and Financial Efficiency Star Ratings

Ratings out of 5 stars                

The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) just released the School Climate Star and Financial Efficiency Star Ratings for the 2015-16 school year. The School Climate averages and the Financial Efficiency Rating for Rockdale County Public Schools are shown above. The ratings are based on survey results and data from the 2015-2016 school year.

Elementary classroom setting. Focus on teacher and chalkboard.

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.

Each school in Georgia received a 1-5 star rating, 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.

The Financial Efficiency Star Rating utilizes a .5-5 star rating scale with five stars being the highest. It is determined by a three-year average of per-pupil expenditures and CCRPI scores. Financial Efficiency Rating is only determined for the district, not individual schools.

“I am pleased with our overall ratings,” said RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry. “These star ratings are components of the comprehensive CCRPI accountability system in which RCPS is consistently above the state average with a district score of 74.2 for the 2015-16 school year. This data helps us better identify areas for improvement as well as areas of strength. We will take the necessary time to analyze the reports and determine areas for improvement.”