Sweetwater HS Increases Special Ed Pass and Proficiency Rates

The Challenge

Founded in 1921, Sweetwater High School (SUHI) is one of the oldest high schools in San Diego County. SUHI serves a diverse student body of over 2,800 students, of which approximately 84% qualify for free and reduced meals, They are committed towards improving the test scores of their traditionally underrepresented students and has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. Their school objective is that 100% of SUHI students will graduate with the necessary skills to attain success in postsecondary education and/or their career of choice.

The Solution

SUHI implemented Revolution K12’s CAHSEE 380 program to increase pass and proficiency rates of their sophomore students using a tiered intervention program that differentiated support based on need.

Students were selected to participate during the school day, in elective and pullout courses, or after-school and on the weekend. Students were paired with highly-effective teachers and school-wide assemblies helped motivate and encourage students.

SUHI also involved parents and the community. Parents learned about voluntary test-prep bootcamps and local organizations donated snacks such as breakfast burritos and pizza to encourage attendance.

The Results

Sweetwater High School saw schoolwide gains in both pass and proficiency rates, including gains with nearly 75 students classified as Special Education.

In terms of special education CAHSEE pass rates:

• An additional 19% passed Math (from 34% to 53%).
• An additional 12% passed ELA (from 31% to 43%).
• An additional 6% were proficient and above in Math (from 14% to 20%).
• An additional 6% were proficient and above in ELA (from 7% to 13%).