Making Steady Growth in Reading and Mathematics, District Recognized as Most Improved School District

The Challenge

• The Duval County Public Schools in the Jacksonville, Florida, metropolitan area, which consists of more than 160 schools, sought a systems–approach to schoolwide improvement. The superintendent wanted to establish a common standards–based instructional system across the district that focused on high expectations for all students.?

The Solution

• The district implemented the America’s Choice School Design in more than a third of its schools. The district adopted key elements of the design for all its schools.

The Results

• Duval County had the highest percentage increase in “A”–rated schools of any district in Florida from 2004 to 2005. Duval was the only large district with no public schools with an “F” rating.

• From 1998 to 2005, the percent of schools rated “A” or “B” rose from 12% to 63%, and by 2005, 92% of Duval Schools were rated “C” or above.
  

• In 2005, the district tied for first place for the highest annual growth in proficiency in the state for middle school reading. Duval also had the third highest annual growth for elementary reading, the fifth highest for middle school math, and the third highest for elementary math.

• The State recognized Duval as the most improved school district in 2005.

Growth in Proficiency in America's
Choice Schools over Four Years

Growth in Proficiency on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test