Shaler Area High School - Academics

Academics

In 2011, Shaler Area HIgh School declined to Corrective Action II 4th Year AYP status due to chronic, low student achievement in reading and mathematics. In 2010, the school was in Corrective Action II 3rd Year AYP status. Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, the school administration was required to notify parents of the poor achievement and to offer the opportunity to transfer to a successful school within the school district. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education required the administration to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the chronic low student achievement. In 2011, the school reported that 14 core courses were taught by teachers who were designated "Non‐Highly Qualified Teachers" under NCLB. Sixteen teachers had emergency certification.

In 2011, the 11th grade was ranked 50th out of 122 western Pennsylvania high schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, and Washington County. In 2010, Shaler Area School District ranked 53rd out of 122 high schools in western Pennsylvania.

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading:

  • 2011 - 71% on grade level, (13% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 - 75%, (12% below basic). State - 66%
  • 2009 - 75% (17% below basic). State - 65%
  • 2008 - 73% (9% below basic). State - 65%
  • 2007 - 71% (12% below basic). State - 65%

11th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 59% on grade level (23% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 - 62% (21% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2009 - 59% (22% below basic). State - 56%.
  • 2008 - 64% (16% below basic). State - 56%
  • 2007 - 59% (17% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 48% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 - 50% (12% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 46% (12% below basic). State - 40%
  • 2008 - 45% (11% below basic). State - 39%

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