Gary's Theodore Roosevelt College & Career Academy

Roosevelt College and Career Academy gets "A" grade on state report card

Contributed By:The 411 News

Theodore Roosevelt College and Career Academy in Gary has received a grade of “A” from the Indiana Department of Education Student-Centered School Accountability Grade System.

“This is the first time in the school’s history that it has been graded “A” and follows years of unsatisfactory ratings,” said EdisonLearning President and CEO Thom Jackson. “Theodore Roosevelt’s accomplishment is especially significant since it was graded “D” for the previous school year.”

These results are a testament to the commitment and hard work of the teachers, staff, and students, Jackson added. “They are also the result, in no small part, to the support provided by the Gary community and alumni of the school.”

In 2011, Roosevelt became one of Indiana’s first state-controlled schools along with several schools in Indianapolis. In 2012, EdisonLearning became the state’s takeover partner to manage and improve the school’s poor academic performance.

Long considered among the most challenged high schools in the state, Roosevelt proved a challenge to EdisonLearning during its first 5 years as educational operator. The school failed to achieve above the “F” grade on its yearly report card.

In 2016, Indiana’s Dept. of Education transitioned to the “transformation/innovative school” model for failing schools, basing achievement on growth instead of only on academic performance. Roosevelt was the first high school in the state to adopt the model and EdisonLearning was retained.

Under the transformation/innovative reform model, schools are allowed autonomy to create charter-like innovations in order to improve overall school and student performance.

Jackson pointed out, “Indiana’s Student-Centered School Accountability Grade System for transformation schools now more fairly and accurately reflects the true progress in academic growth being achieved by the students. As a result, the students at Theodore Roosevelt, who may have been challenged in the past, are now being recognized for the progress they are making towards their personal educational goals.”

Jackson said the changes have resulted in 76% of graduating seniors enrolled in a 2-4 year college or vocational program; a 54% reduction of out-of-school suspensions; and a 94.6% attendance rate.

“The double-digit gains in student achievement since the 2015-16 school year, helped to set a foundation for the sustainable academic growth now being experienced by the students at Theodore Roosevelt, and have now been recognized with the ‘A’ grade,” Jackson noted.

Theodore Roosevelt College and Career Academy will be celebrating the newly achieved “A” grade with a special school assembly on Wednesday, December 12 at 2:30 pm. The entire Gary community is invited to attend.

Story Posted:11/16/2018