Chart by Andy Mooney, Salisbury Post.

By Maggie Blackwell

mblackwell@salisburypost.com

Area high schools exceeded state averages on most end-of-course scoring for the 2007-2008 academic year. Students will receive state report cards today showing how well their schools fared in comparison to the local school system and to the N.C. averages.

High schools are rated on students' performance on end-of-course tests in English I, algebra I, algebra II, geometry, biology, chemistry, physical science, physics, civics and economics, and U.S. history.

The Rowan-Salisbury School System scored higher in all subjects in 2007-2008 as compared to 2006-2007. Testing in chemistry, physical science and physics was new in 2007-2008, so there is no comparison to prior years for those subjects.

East Rowan High School showed increases across the board, improving in each subject.

The other high schools moved up in most subjects, with occasional dips. Most schools dropped in only one subject area. South High School made the largest stride, with 92.5 percent of students tested in algebra II making passing grades. Their score the prior year was 79 percent.

Kathy McDuffie, director for secondary schools, attributes the success to strategies implemented at the high school level.

"Our teachers are focusing on the standard course of study, following district-developed pacing guides and working collaboratively to develop engaging lessons," she said. "These improvements reflect the dedication of all members of our school communities. It is our expectation that these efforts will continue to move us forward as we provide relevant learning opportunities for all our students."

Rowan-Salisbury scored higher than the state averages in all subjects except algebra I, in which it missed the average by 1.4 percent.

Here's how neighboring school systems did:

- Cabarrus County: higher than state average in all subjects.

- Iredell-Statesville: higher than state average in most subjects.

- Davie County: higher than state average in most subjects.

- Davidson County: higher than state average in most subjects.

- Stanly County: higher than state average in most subjects.

- Kannapolis City: higher than state average in most subjects.

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