WALLA WALLA -- Data released August 10 from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for the class of 2015 revealed 66.1% of graduating Hispanic/Latino seniors attended a post-secondary institution, 16% above the state average of 50.1%. This represents the 12th highest college-going rate for Hispanic students in Washington state, and the highest in the state when comparing Walla Walla's data to similar demographic schools with modest levels of poverty and language diversity as defined by 30% or more poverty and 10% or more English Language Learners. This result represents three consecutive years of increase where Hispanic/Latino students' college attendance has risen steadily from 47.5% in 2012.
Data for the graduating seniors representing all district students from the Class of 2015 was also impressive as a total of 66.5% of graduates enrolled in either a two or four-year public college, or private college, in or outside of Washington state, following high school. This recent data continues Walla Walla's historic trend of outpacing the state's college-going average, currently at 59.9%.
"This recently-released data continues to affirm the exceptional performance from our graduating seniors," said Superintendent Wade Smith. "Our School Board's continued emphasis towards our diverse populations, partnerships with regional higher education schools and universities, and exceptional staff, will ensure we continue our vision towards developing Washington's most sought-after graduates."
Walla Walla Public Schools' college-going rate for all students at 66.5% was the strongest when compared to regional school districts of similar or larger size among the 17 ESD 123 schools. Results for all students, and especially that of Hispanic/Latino students, outpaced all district counterparts in Walla Walla, Benton and Franklin Counties. Accompanying the post-secondary enrollment data, OSPI also released college-remediation rates. This report tracks students who attended a Washington state public two or four-year college who enrolled in a remedial English or math course.
Results revealed that 50.2% of Walla Walla students enrolled in college remedial coursework, exceeding the state average of 32.9%. This statistic landed Walla Walla in the middle of the region's performance results and highlights the Board of Director's renewed emphasis to focus on this success indicator with the district's new five-year Strategic Plan.
For more indepth information, you may access more data at http://www.k12.wa.us/.
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Walla Walla School District Board of Directors Special Meeting & Regular Board Meeting: August 15, 2017
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1001835
First Annual Walla Walla Coaches Conference August 14
WALLA WALLA -- Walla Walla Public Schools announces the First Annual Walla Walla Community Coaches Conference Monday, August 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Walla Walla High School. This is a free, one-day conference for district coaches and local youth parent/volunteer coaches. The clinic features practical strategies for building stronger local sports programs with training on positive coaching, student-athlete skill development and leadership. Participants will also have an opportunity to interact with local high school coaches, YMCA staff and learn from guest speakers Mark Thompson, Bruce Brown, Sara LeDuc and Kelsey Brennan.
The morning session begins with risk management consultant Mark Thompson, who specializes in student bullying and harassment prevention. Thompson will share strategies and best-practice tips for misconduct prevention in athletics. After a short break, Sara DeLuc will provide important updates related to ASB Law and Procedures.
Participants will then hear from the Director of Proactive Coaching Bruce Brown He will share a vision for coaches, parents, and athletes about intentionally creating character-based team cultures. In addition, he will provide a blueprint for team leadership, and how best to develop confident, tough-minded, fearless competitors who train for excellence and significance.
"Bruce has been a leader in youth athletics for over 35 years," said Dirk Hansen, Director of Athletics and Activities for Walla Walla Public Schools. "This is an exciting time in Walla Walla youth athletics and Bruce is sharing his experience and expertise to create a shared vision for K-12 and Walla Walla Valley athletics."
After lunch, participants will have different break-out sessions to select. At these sessions, attendees will meet high school coaches and learn about drills and skill-building techniques that support program alignment and coordination. Specific events include instruction in wrestling, basketball, volleyball, safe weight lifting, baseball, softball, soccer, cross country and injury screening prevention. At the end of the day, participants will also be able to renew their first aid/CPR certifications with Kelsey Brennan.
"We are excited to provide this incredible day to our local coaches and parents who are dedicating there time and energy to the success of our youth" said Hansen. "We hope to grow this event and continue to provide a unified vision to keep our local children involved in athletics from community youth programs through their high school experience."
Register online:
https://goo.gl/forms/b2TJF5vTPPEDkGtg2
Information:
Dirk Hansen, Director of Athletics and Activities for Walla Walla Public Schools
(509) 527-3020
dhansen@wwps.org.
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Walla Walla School District Board of Directors Special Meeting: July 27, 2017
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=100183