Conrad Weiser Area School District

Conrad Area School District
Map of Berks County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts: Conrad Weiser Area School District is in pink in the western part of the county.
Address
44 Big Spring Road Robesonia, Pennsylvania, Berks, 19551 United States
Information
Superintendent	Dr. Robert L. Urzillo[1]
Grades	K-12
Kindergarten	232
Grade 1	193
Grade 2	204
Grade 3	192
Grade 4	212
Grade 5	222
Grade 6	235
Grade 7	200
Grade 8	223
Grade 9	261
Grade 10	265
Grade 11	266
Grade 12	260
Mascot	Scouts
Website	Conrad Weiser School District

The Conrad Weiser Area School District is located in western Berks County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. This district serves South Heidelberg Township, Heidelberg Township, North Heidelberg Township and Marion Township and the Boroughs of Wernersville, Robesonia and Womelsdorf.^[3] The district encompasses approximately 110 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 23,777. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Conrad Weiser Area School District provided basic educational services to 3,026 pupils through the employment of 237 teachers, 176 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 18 administrators.

The district operates Conrad Weiser High School (9th–12th), Conrad Weiser Middle School (5th–8th), Conrad Weiser East Elementary School (K-4th) and Conrad Weiser West Elementary School (K-4th).

The district is named for Conrad Weiser, an important Pennsylvanian in colonial days, especially known as an interpreter and emissary in councils between Native Americans and the colonies, especially Pennsylvania.

Conrad Weiser

Agriculture Sciences

The Agriculture Science Department at Conrad Weiser High School is recognized nationally as both a progressive agriculture program and a model for science instruction.^[4] The department has a modern laboratory, a tissue culture area complete with grow room, an animal science room, a small greenhouse, a vineyard, a landscape laboratory, a barn that houses chickens and other hardware supplies, and its own library.

The curriculum includes microbiology, environmental science, tissue culture, food science, animal science and entomology, with a focus on performance in the laboratory, independent reading and technical writing, professional communication, and self-directed study.^[5]

The department is organized in layers of support. Crews are small, semi-autonomous groups that study one particular problem or conduct one particular task. For example, the tissue culture crew meets daily after school and organizes and maintains the area. The second layer of organization are the Teaching Lab Assistants. These are upperclassmen who interview for the position, serve for one year, and are each assigned an area of responsibility. The Teaching Lab Assistants teach lessons, mentor underclassmen, oversee crews, maintain inventories and order materials and host tours.^[6]

Academic achievement

Conrad Weiser Area School District was ranked 294th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance based on the PSSAs for: reading, writing, math and two years of science.^[7]

• 2009 - 288th
• 2008 - 273rd
• 2007 - 277th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts.^[8]

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Conrad Weiser Area School District, was in the 36th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best) ^[9]

Graduation rate

In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Conrad Weiser High School's rate was 88% for 2010.^[10]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 - 94%^[11]
• 2009 - 89% ^[12]
• 2008 - 92% ^[13]
• 2007 - 92% ^[14]

High School

The high school is in "School Improvement Level II" due to chronic, low student achievement. Students may transfer to another high school where available.^[15]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2010 - 69% on grade level (19% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders on grade level.^[16]
• 2009 - 68% (17% below basic), State - 65% ^[17]
• 2008 - 70% (14% below basic), State - 65%^[18]
• 2007 - 73% (13% below basic), State - 65% ^[19]

11th Grade Math

• 2010 - 60% on grade level (24% below basic). State - 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2009 - 53% (27% below basic). State - 56%
• 2008 - 55% (22% below basic). State - 56% ^[20]
• 2007 - 62% (18% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2010 - 41% on grade level. (18% below basic), State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2009 - 41% (18% below basic). State - 40%
• 2008 - 40% (12% below basic). State - 39%

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 38% of Conrad Weiser High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges. ^[21] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.^[22]Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Graduation Requirements

The Conrad Weiser Area School Board has determined that students must earn 27 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Math and Science a total of 3 per subject and 1 additional credit is either one, Gym 2 credits, Health 1 credit, Arts and Humanities 2 credits and 7 elective credits. ^[23]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.^[24] Conrad Weiser High School requires students to complete a research paper, an oral presentation and a Portfolio/Product. ^[25] Additionally, students are required to have a minimum of twenty hours of community service to receive a diploma, and awards are given to students who complete over 100 hours of community service. ^[26]

By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.^[27]

Middle School

In 2010, the attendance rate was reported as 96%. Five of the teachers are by the district as being not highly qualified in 2010.

8th Grade Reading

• 2010 - 81% on grade level. 54% advanced (9% below basic) State - 81% ^[28]
• 2009 - 80%, 56% advanced (11% below basic), State - 80%
• 2008 - 83%, 55% advanced (5% below basic), State - 78%
• 2007 - 82%, 50% advanced (20% below basic), State - 75%^[29]

8th Grade Math

• 2010 - 84% on grade level. 67% advanced (10% below basic) State - 75%
• 2009 - 79%, 65% advanced (13% below basic), State - 71%
• 2008 - 81%, 53% advanced (9% below basic), State - 70% ^[30]
• 2007 - 73%, 42% advanced (11% below basic), State - 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2010 - 61% on grade level. State - 57%.
• 2009 - 61%, State: - 54% ^[31]
• 2008 - 58%, State - 52% ^[32]

7th Grade Reading

• 2010 - 65% on grade level. 35% advanced, (15% below basic) State - 73%
• 2009 - 71%, 45% advanced (12% below basic), State - 71.7%
• 2008 - 71%, 33% advanced (13% below basic), State - 70%
• 2007 - 64%, 29% advanced (11% below basic), State - 66%

7th Grade Math

• 2010 - 76% on grade level. 54% advanced (13% below basic) State - 77%
• 2009 - 83%, 61% advanced (9% below basic), State - 75%
• 2008 - 80%, 56% advanced (11% below basic), State - 72%
• 2007 - 77%, 50% advanced (11% below basic), State - 67%

6th Grade Reading

• 2010 - 66% on grade level. 24% advanced (12% below basic) State - 68%
• 2009 - 58%, 29% advanced (15% below basic), State - 67%
• 2008 - 64%, 24% advanced (17% below basic), State - 67%
• 2007 - 62%, 22% advanced (11% below basic), State - 63%

6th Grade Math

• 2010 - 81% on grade level. 55% advanced (10% below basic) State - 78%
• 2009 - 77%, 42% advanced (11% below basic), State - 75.9%
• 2008 - 77%, 42% advanced (11% below basic), State - 72%
• 2007 - 80%, 41% advanced (8% below basic), State - 69%

5th Grade Reading;

• 2010 - 57%, 13% advanced (23% below basic), State - 64%
• 2009 - 58%, 14% advanced (19% below basic), State - 64%
• 2008 - 50%, 14% advanced, State - 62%
• 2007 - 57%, 13% advanced, State - 60%

5th Grade Math;

• 2010 - 61%, 28% advanced (15% below basic), State - 74%
• 2009 - 70%, 35% advanced (11% below basic), State - 73%
• 2008 - 67%, 32% advanced, State - 73%
• 2007 - 75%, 32% advanced, State - 71%

Conrad Weiser East Elementary

In 2010 the attendance rate was 95%. All of the teachers are highly qualified.

4th Grade Reading;

• 2010 - 75%, 37% advanced, State - 73% ^[33]
• 2009 - 75%, 34% advanced, State - 72%
• 2008 - 71%, 32% advanced, State - 70%
• 2007 - 66%, 25% advanced, State - 60%

4th Grade Math;

• 2010 - 87%, 47% advanced, State - 84%
• 2009 - 90%, 53% advanced, State - 81%
• 2008 - 83%, 35% advanced, State - 80%
• 2007 - 79%, 39% advanced, State - 78%

4th Grade Science;

• 2010 - 80%, 33% advanced, State - 81%
• 2009 - 88%, 30% advanced, State - 83%
• 2008 - 88%, 31% advanced, State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading;

• 2010 - 80%, 25% advanced, State - 75%
• 2009 - 82%, 25% advanced, State - 77%
• 2008 - 77%, 12% advanced, State - 70%
• 2007 - 66%, 21% advanced, State - 72%

3rd Grade Math;

• 2010 - 91%, 62% advanced, State - 84%
• 2009 - 88%, 48% advanced, State - 81%
• 2008 - 87%, 46% advanced, State - 80%
• 2007 - 83%, 39% advanced, State - 78%

Conrad Weiser West Elementary

In 2010 the attendance rate was 96%. All of the teachers are highly qualified.

4th Grade Reading

• 2010 - 69%, 31% advanced, State - 73% ^[34]
• 2009 - 65%, 18% advanced, State - 72%
• 2008 - 62%, 25% advanced, State - 70%
• 2007 - 73%, 30% advanced, State - 60%

4th Grade Math

• 2010 - 78%, 47% advanced, State - 84%
• 2009 - 77%, 31% advanced, State - 81%
• 2008 - 78%, 35% advanced, State - 80%
• 2007 - 78%, 41% advanced, State - 78%

4th Grade Science

• 2010 - 85%, 44% advanced, State - 81%
• 2009 - 79%, 24% advanced, State - 83%
• 2008 - 77%, 31% advanced, State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading

• 2010 - 70%, 14% advanced, State - 75%
• 2009 - 69%, 19% advanced, State - 77%
• 2008 - 69%, 11% advanced, State - 70%
• 2007 - 71%, 18% advanced, State - 72%

3rd Grade Math

• 2010 - 84%, 38% advanced, State - 84%
• 2009 - 76%, 37% advanced, State - 81%
• 2008 - 73%, 22% advanced, State - 80%
• 2007 - 71%, 13% advanced, State - 78%

References

1. ^ "Administrative Team". Conrad Weiser Area School District. https://www.edline.net/pages/Conrad_Weiser_SD/8331100615190616962/Administration. Retrieved 2008–12 – 19. 
2. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Conrad Weiser Area School District Enrollment and Projections". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/enrollment_projections/18805. 
3. ^ "Conrad Weiser Area School District". http://www.conradweiser.org/. Retrieved May 1, 2007. 
4. ^ Melissa Egan. "Motivating Students to Learn from the Student's Perspective". www.allbusiness.com. http://www.allbusiness.com/agriculture-forestry-fishing-hunting/1046037-1.html. Retrieved May 1, 2007. 
5. ^ Steve Miller. "Motivating Students to Learn from the Teacher's Perspective". www.allbusiness.com. http://www.allbusiness.com/agriculture-forestry-fishing-hunting/1046033-1.html. Retrieved May 1, 2007. 
6. ^ Kelly Pierce. "Motivating Students Through Responsibility and Trust". www.allbusiness.com. http://www.allbusiness.com/agriculture-forestry-fishing-hunting/1046035-1.html. Retrieved May 1, 2007. 
7. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (May 1, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll.". http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/statewide_rankings.html. 
8. ^ "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County,". Pittsburgh Business Times,. May 23, 2007. http://www.wtae.com/education/13346734/detail.html. 
9. ^ "2009 PSSA RESULTS Conrad Weiser Area School District,". The Morning Call. http://projects.mcall.com/PSSA-results/district/114061103/CONRAD%20WEISER%20AREA%20SD/. Retrieved March 26, 2011. 
10. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_education/7237/info/757639. 
11. ^ "Conrad Weiser Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 data table". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c6/114061103/777. Retrieved March 26, 2011. 
12. ^ "Conrad Weiser High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 data table". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S114061103000000777.PDF. Retrieved March 26, 2011. 
13. ^ The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "Berks County Graduation Rates 2008". http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools/2008-graduation-rates-1.85916?appSession=991199429753633#axzz1CqEf2ZfQ. 
14. ^ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. "High School Graduation rate 2007". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23571629/PA-High-School-Graduation-Info-by-School-District-2007. Retrieved January 31, 2011. 
15. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 2011). "Conrad Weiser Area School District AYP performance report". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/SchoolList/c6/114061103. 
16. ^ "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
17. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
18. ^ "The 2008 PSSA Mathematics and Reading School Level Proficiency Results (by Grade and School Total)". August 2008. http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514. 
19. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Math and Reading results by School and Grade 2007". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2006-2007_pssa_and_ayp_results/507511. 
20. ^ "Math PSSA Scores by District 2007-08 Conrad Weiser Area School District Results". The Times-Tribune. June 25, 2009. http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools#axzz1DRIEWs4N. 
21. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23970364/Pennsylvania-College-Remediation-Report. 
22. ^ National Center for Education Statistics
23. ^ Conrad Weiser School District administration. "Conrad Weiser Program of Studies". http://www.edline.net/files/_NDBkC_/1f62acf408642e563745a49013852ec4/Program_of_Studies_2011-12.pdf. 
24. ^ "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements". http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.24.html. 
25. ^ Conrad Weiser High School. "Conrad Weiser High School Graduation Project". http://www.edline.net/pages/Conrad_Weiser_High_School/Graduation_Projects. 
26. ^ "Conrad Weiser High School administration". http://www.edline.net/files/_IQCn4_/0adeb717233c97c73745a49013852ec4/planner2010-11_Final.pdf. 
27. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". http://www.scribd.com/doc/47925315/Pennsylvania-Keystone-Exams-Overview-Sept-2010. 
28. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "Conrad Weiser Middle School School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S114061103000007651.PDF. 
29. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Math and Reading Results 2007". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2006-2007_pssa_and_ayp_results/507511. Retrieved February 2011. 
30. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Results Math and Reading School 2008". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514. Retrieved February 2011. 
31. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Science results 2008-09". http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. Retrieved February 2011. 
32. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Science Results by School and Grade 2008". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514. Retrieved February 2011. 
33. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Conrad Weiser East Elementary Academic Achievement Report Card 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S114061103000007284.PDF. 
34. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Conrad Weiser West Elementary Academic Achievement Report card 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S114061103000005203.PDF.