[Sneezyone]

Eh, draw.

I would like to point out tho, that the 'best schools in NWA' is really just code for two districts, Bentonville and Fayetteville. The other districts in that area are not really comparable in terms of facilities, class offerings or achievement.

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by Sneezyone

Eh, draw.

I would like to point out tho, that the 'best schools in NWA' is really just code for two districts, Bentonville and Fayetteville. The other districts in that area are not really comparable in terms of facilities, class offerings or achievement.

You just couldn't resist, could you? Even knowing I'm a Rogers graduate.

[Sneezyone]

It's not personal. I'm a numbers girl.

[Dark Khan]

As a graduate from Siloam I can say that the education system here is def. better than other smaller school districts around here (Gentry, Gravette, etc.). But, it isn't on the same level as Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers and other bigger schools.

[gimme it]

I always hear that Fayetteville has great schools, so I am confused why Greatschools. org gave Fayetteville HS a 6. I think Greatschools determines their scores by comparing schools to others in the state, right? Bentonville always seems to score very high. It seems that Fayetteville has some high scoring elementary and middle schools, so I'm not sure why the HS is so low. Can anyone speak to that? Thanks.

[Sneezyone]

I can't speak to the methodology at greatschools but I just looked quickly at their data, and assuming it's correct, it shows Fayetteville students performing poorly on the state's end of course exam for Algebra in 2007-08. Same thing in Springdale. Those results significantly dragged down their overall school ratings but appear to be an anomaly given the other results. There are any number of reasons why that could happen (poor results in Algebra) and it'd be interesting to see the data over time. The school may have switched to a new textbook or curriculum that doesn't align with the state benchmarks or tests. They may have even hired a teacher who abysmally failed his/her students. Who knows. Call 'em and ask.

[ShockedByNWA]

Unfortunately the school sytems and the values are far superior in Iowa vs Arkansas. Tyson and Wal-Mart brought a lot of growth to NWA. Growth that wasn't particularly welcome. While growth has helped the area it has also hurt the area. Hopefully in 10 - 15 years it will have adjusted to its growth pains.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by gimme it

I always hear that Fayetteville has great schools, so I am confused why Greatschools. org gave Fayetteville HS a 6. I think Greatschools determines their scores by comparing schools to others in the state, right? Bentonville always seems to score very high. It seems that Fayetteville has some high scoring elementary and middle schools, so I'm not sure why the HS is so low. Can anyone speak to that? Thanks.

Just remember these scores can be calculated many ways. I always look at them with a grain of salt: something to consider, but we need to read between the lines. I can't answer your question, but there are lots of ways to judge a district.

Nita

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by ShockedByNWA

Unfortunately the school sytems and the values are far superior in Iowa vs Arkansas. Tyson and Wal-Mart brought a lot of growth to NWA. Growth that wasn't particularly welcome. While growth has helped the area it has also hurt the area. Hopefully in 10 - 15 years it will have adjusted to its growth pains.

And what are you judging this on?

Nita