The Pennsylvania Department of Education initiative Pennsylvania School Performance Profile was discussed at the most recent curriculum meeting for the Salisbury Township School District.

The profile was developed to build level academic scores for educators as part of the Educator Effectiveness System, Act 82, provides information used in determining federal accountability status for Title 1 schools, informs the public of the academic measures of each school, comprehensive career and technical center, cyber charter and charter schools in Pennsylvania and provides resources to support schools as they seek to improve academic performance.

The first set of scores released are based on the 2012-2013 school year. Fifty percent of the score is based on the students' academic performance, either PSSA or Keystone tests; how the school is progressing toward proficiency of all students; and how the school is working with historically underperforming students toward proficiency. Forty percent of the score measures the school's impact on the academic progress of groups of students from year to year. The final 10 percent of the score assesses factors that contribute to student achievement such as graduation rate, promotion rate and attendance rate.

Salisbury High School's score was 82.9, Salisbury Middle School's score was 89.8, Western Salisbury Elementary School's score was 76.9 and Harry S Truman Elementary School's score was 75.2.

Schools can also earn extra credit points for advanced achievement based upon advanced performance on state and industry assessments as well as for students earning a three or higher on an advanced placement exam.

Superintendent Michael Roth said the scores do not reflect the total educational package students receive at Salisbury. To further explain the total package, a five page report entitled, "The Salisbury Education" was presented to the board and to the audience.

Highlights of the report include a supportive school board and community, small district (1,600 students) with opportunities for all, dedicated caring and experienced team of educators and support staff, curriculum reflecting Pennsylvania academic and core standards, readers apprenticeship and building based leadership teams.

The district also has a social worker and school resource officer and offers a one-to-one laptop initiative at the high school and middle school.

The district is part of the Apple Distinguished Program and is a Project RED signature district.

Roth also adds robust communications tools, commitment to professional development for all staff, teacher-led professional development, overdrive for digital ebook access, summer library and summer computer camp as added learning opportunities within the district.

At the elementary level, the Leader in Me program, Title 1 schoolwide program, after school program, summer reading program, student clubs and extracurricular opportunities are noted.

At the middle school, there is a targeted Title 1 assistance program Digital Aces program, challenged-based learning, corrective reading for diverse learners, grade level teaming and academic competitions are listed as highlights of the program.

At the high school level, project and challenge-based learning opportuntiies are available as well as academic competitions, No Place for Hate designation, scholars program through Lehigh, DeSales and Muhlenberg, media studio and media courses, vocation program through Lehigh Carbon Technical Institute, Keystone exam remediation and program acceleration through Seton Hall University.

Roth said often scores are based only on one test and do not evaluate the entire eduational package offered by the district.

For a complete report on scores of all districts, visit www.pde.state.pa.us and click on the school performance profile.