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District staff explain state 'letter grade' formulas as several Sunnyside schools show improvement
Summary
District staff reviewed how Arizona letter grades are calculated (proficiency, growth, EL measures) and highlighted school‑level trends: gains at Sierra, Craycroft, Santa Clara and Desert View and that both district high schools are now B‑rated.
District staff walked the board through the state letter‑grade methodology and showed school‑level trends and subgroup results.
Staff explained that K–8 and 9–12 formulas weight proficiency and growth differently: in K–8, proficiency accounts for roughly half the points and growth is the other major component; in 9–12 the weights shift to emphasize graduation and college‑and‑career readiness indicators. Staff described how English learner reclassification, chronic absenteeism and special education inclusion factors contribute to acceleration or bonus points.
The presentation noted specific school changes: Sierra moved from a D to a B, Santa Clara and Summit View improved out of D status, and Desert View showed high‑school growth. Staff said two high schools are both now B‑rated. District leaders emphasized that growth points—rather than chasing labels—are the focus, and that targeted principal support and instructional teams are being used to sustain improvement.
Board reaction and next steps: Trustees commended site leaders, asked for continued individualized supports, and accepted the update as informational. Staff flagged students with disabilities as a subgroup needing continued attention and said training and UDL (universal design for learning) supports are planned.
Source: Presentation by district staff during the Sunnyside Unified School District board meeting.
