Summary:
The city of Heber, California is home to two schools: Dogwood Elementary and Heber Middle School. Both schools serve a relatively low-income student population, with over 69% of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. While the schools' test scores in English Language Arts are generally on par with or slightly below the state averages, Heber Middle School's performance in Mathematics and Science is significantly lower than the state averages.
One standout factor is the high chronic absenteeism rate at Dogwood Elementary, which stands at 28.9% for the 2022-2023 school year, significantly higher than the state average. In contrast, Heber Middle School has a lower chronic absenteeism rate of 14.4%, though still higher than the state average. The high chronic absenteeism rates may be a contributing factor to the schools' relatively lower test scores, as regular attendance is crucial for academic success.
Overall, the data suggests that the Heber community faces economic challenges that may be impacting educational outcomes. The district should closely examine the factors contributing to the schools' performance and develop strategies to address the needs of the low-income student population, particularly in the areas of Mathematics and Science at Heber Middle School. Targeted support and resource allocation could help improve student outcomes and ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students in the Heber area.
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