School Accountability Report Card Reported for School Year 2008-09

Published During 2009-10

Executive Summary School Accountability Report Card, 2008-09

KIPP Academy of Opportunity School

Address:	7019 South Van Ness, Los Angeles, CA 90047-1659	Phone:	323-778-0125
Principal:	Ian Guidera	Grade Span:	5 - 8

This executive summary of the School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is intended to provide parents and community members with a quick snapshot of school accountability. The data presented in this report are reported for the 2008-09 school year, except the School Finances and School Completion data that are reported for the 2007-08 school year. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should review the entire SARC or contact the school principal or the district office. 

About This School 

KIPP Academy of Opportunity (KAO) is a college-preparatory public charter middle school located in South Los Angeles. The school opened in summer 2003 with 90 fifth graders and subsequently expanded annually until reaching capacity in 2006. Today, the school serves students in grades five to eight. KAO is operated by KIPP LA Schools, a non-profit charter school management organization. KIPP LA operates two additional KIPP schools in Los Angeles. KAO has established a strong track record of improving student achievement. The impressive strides KAO students make in their four years at the school offer the most complete picture of the impact the school has on its students: From fifth to eighth grade, the percentage of KAO students scoring at or above the national average has risen from 16 to 62 in reading and from 19 to 83 in math, as measured by the SAT-10, a nationally-administered test. In addition to KAO’s academic achievements, KAO has placed 99 percent of alumni in college-preparatory high schools. KAO has been designated a “Certified Charter School”, based on a comprehensive review of student achievement, governance practices, and financial integrity that was conducted by an independent agency.

Student Enrollment 

Group	Percent
African American	87.94 %
American Indian or Alaska Native	%
Asian	%
Filipino	%
Hispanic or Latino	12.06 %
Pacific Islander	%
White (not Hispanic)	%
Multiple or No Response	%
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged	72.00 %
English Learners	1.00 %
Students with Disabilities	8.00 %
Total Number of Students	333

Teachers 

Indicator	Teachers
Teachers with full credential	18
Teachers without full credential	0
Teachers Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence	0
Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners	1
Total Teacher Misassignments	1

Student Performance 

Subject	Students Proficient and Above on California Standards Tests
English-Language Arts	51.9%
Mathematics	50.5%
Science	58.9%
History-Social Science	53.2%

Academic Progress 

Indicator	Result
2009 Growth API Score (from 2009 Growth API Report)	780
Statewide Rank (from 2008 Base API Report)	5
2009-10 Program Improvement Status (PI Year)	Not in PI

School Facilities 

Summary of Most Recent Site Inspection 

The California Charter Schools Association Joint Powers Authority (CCSA JPA) conducts an annual site visit at KIPP Academy of Opportunity. During a site visit, student, parent, and employee safety are discussed as top priorities.  The Risk Assessment process is intended to identify hazards that could result in an injury to any of those groups, or could otherwise negatively impact the financial well-being of KIPP LA Schools. The most recent site visit did not identify any recommendations or necessary corrective action.

Repairs Needed 

N/A

Corrective Actions Taken or Planned 

KAO will explore the possibility of electrical and plumbing upgrades.

Curriculum and Instructional Materials 

Core Curriculum Areas	Pupils Who Lack Textbooks and Instructional Materials
Reading/Language Arts	0%
Mathematics	0%
Science	0%
History-Social Science	0%
Foreign Language	0%
Health	0%
Visual and Performing Arts	0%
Science Laboratory Equipment (grades 9-12)	N/A

School Finances 

Level	Expenditures Per Pupil (Unrestricted Sources Only)
School Site	$8,991
District
State	$5,512

NAEP Reading, Grade 4 

Level	Result
Average Scale Score - State	209
Average Scale Score - National	220
Achievement Level - Basic	30%
Achievement Level - Proficient	18%
Achievement Level - Advanced	5%

NAEP Reading, Grade 8 

Level	Result
Average Scale Score - State	251
Average Scale Score - National	261
Achievement Level - Basic	41%
Achievement Level - Proficient	20%
Achievement Level - Advanced	2%

NAEP Mathematics, Grade 4 

Level	Result
Average Scale Score - State	232
Average Scale Score - National	239
Achievement Level - Basic	41%
Achievement Level - Proficient	25%
Achievement Level - Advanced	5%

NAEP Mathematics, Grade 8 

Level	Result
Average Scale Score - State	270
Average Scale Score - National	282
Achievement Level - Basic	36%
Achievement Level - Proficient	18%
Achievement Level - Advanced	5%

School Accountability Report Card Reported for School Year 2008-09 Published During 2009-10

The School Accountability Report Card (SARC), which is required by law to be published annually, contains information about the condition and performance of each California public school. More information about SARC requirements is available on the California Department of Education (CDE) SARC Web page. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should contact the school principal or the district office.

I. Data and Access 

DataQuest 

DataQuest is an online data tool located on the CDE DataQuest Web page that contains additional information about this school and comparisons of the school to the district, the county, and the state. Specifically, DataQuest is a dynamic system that provides reports for accountability (e.g., Academic Performance Index [API], Adequate Yearly Progress [AYP]), test data, enrollment, graduates, dropouts, course enrollments, staffing, and data regarding English learners). 

Internet Access 

Internet access is available at public libraries and other locations that are publicly accessible (e.g., the California State Library). Access to the Internet at libraries and public locations is generally provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Other use restrictions include the hours of operation, the length of time that a workstation may be used (depending on availability), the types of software programs available on a workstation, and the ability to print documents.  

II. About This School 

Contact Information (School Year 2009-10) 

This section provides the schools contact information. 

School		District
School Name	KIPP Academy of Opportunity	District Name	Los Angeles Unified
Street	7019 South Van Ness	Phone Number	213-241-1000
City, State, Zip	Los Angeles, CA 90047-1659	Web Site	www.lausd.net
Phone Number	323-778-0125	Superintendent	Ramon Cortines
Principal	Ian Guidera	E-mail Address	superintendent@lausd.net
E-mail Address	iguidera@kippkao.org	CDS Code	19- 64733- 0101444

School Description and Mission Statement (School Year 2008-09) 

School Description and Mission Statement (School Year 2008-09) 

KIPP Academy of Opportunity’s mission is to ensure that students develop the academic skills, character, and intellectual habits necessary to succeed in competitive high schools, colleges, and the world beyond. The school’s six guiding principles are: respect, hard work, results, constant learning, determination, and teamwork. KAO features a “no shortcuts, no excuses” philosophy and a strong culture of achievement. The school’s curriculum is designed to provide students a well-rounded education, with sufficient time dedicated to academics, the arts, enrichment, and physical education. The academic program is rigorous, but is also infused with the “J,” or joy, factor. Character education is a key piece of KAO’s curriculum: students take Life Skills courses in which they learn to develop positive “habits of mind” like managing impulsivity and listening carefully. In their interactions with students, staff members constantly reinforce the importance of strong character in achieving success in school and in life.

Opportunities for Parental Involvement (School Year 2008-09) 

Opportunities for Parental Involvement (School Year 2008-09) 

Parent involvement is critical to the success of the “It Takes a Village” committees that provide a voice to parents and guardians on the culture and success of KIPP Academy of Opportunity.  Parents use these committees to fundraise and help the school raise the necessary $25,000 to support its end-of-the-year field lessons.  Parents who are most familiar with KAO also mentor, guide, and coach incoming parents as they navigate through the school and its mission.  Parent committees also plan community events and teacher appreciation events that support and validate the efforts of staff.

Student Enrollment by Grade Level (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays the number of students enrolled in each grade level at the school. 

Grade Level	Number of Students
Kindergarten	0
Grade 1	0
Grade 2	0
Grade 3	0
Grade 4	0
Grade 5	93
Grade 6	90
Grade 7	88
Grade 8	62
Ungraded Elementary	0
Grade 9	0
Grade 10	0
Grade 11	0
Grade 12	0
Ungraded Secondary	0
Total Enrollment	333

Student Enrollment by Group (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays the percent of students enrolled at the school who are identified as being in a particular group. 

Group	Percent of Total Enrollment
African American	87.94 %
American Indian or Alaska Native	%
Asian	%
Filipino	%
Hispanic or Latino	12.06 %
Pacific Islander	%
White (not Hispanic)	%
Multiple or No Response	%
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged	72.00 %
English Learners	1.00 %
Students with Disabilities	8.00 %

Average Class Size and Class Size Distribution (Secondary) 

This table displays by subject area the average class size and the number of classrooms that fall into each size category (a range of total students per classroom). 

Subject	2006-07				2007-08				2008-09
	Avg. Class Size	Number of Classrooms			Avg. Class Size	Number of Classrooms			Avg. Class Size	Number of Classrooms
		1-22	23-32	33+		1-22	23-32	33+		1-22	23-32	33+
English	30.0		11	2	30.8	1	9	5	31.2		28	7
Mathematics	30.4		9	2	32.1		11	9	28.8	2	10	1
Science	30.4		9	2	31.6		6	2	31.0		9	2
Social Science	30.4		9	2	29.4	1	11	5	30.8		7	2

III. School Climate 

School Safety Plan (School Year 2008-09) 

This section provides information about the school's comprehensive safety plan. 

KIPP Academy of Opportunity has joined a federally funded consortium of other Los Angeles area charter schools in order to develop a comprehensive safety plan.  The school spends a year in the planning process which involves attending informational meetings, collaborative planning sessions, conducting supervised practice, getting feedback from external observers, and establishing an Incident Command structure.  In years following, monthly safety drills are held to ensure that all students and staff are prepared in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.  KIPP Academy of Opportunity’s operations team also goes through a regional focusing session at the beginning of each year to make sure that the safety plan is ready to be executed throughout the school year.

Suspensions and Expulsions 

This table displays the rate of suspensions and expulsions (the total number of incidents divided by the total enrollment) at the school and district levels for the most recent three-year period. 

Rate	School			District
	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09
Suspensions	0.0	10.8	16.8	8.4	7.6	7.0
Expulsions	0.0	0.6	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

IV. School Facilities 

School Facility Conditions and Planned Improvements (School Year 2009-10) 

This section provides information about the condition of the school’s grounds, buildings, and restrooms, and a description of any planned or recently completed facility improvements. 

The school’s grounds, building, and restrooms are generally in good condition, although electrical and plumbing upgrades are under consideration.

School Facility Good Repair Status (School Year 2009-10) 

This table displays the results of the most recently completed school site inspection to determine the school facility’s good repair status. 

System Inspected	Repair Status				Repair Needed and Action Taken or Planned
	Exemplary	Good	Fair	Poor
Systems: Gas Leaks, Mechanical/HVAC, Sewer			X
Interior: Interior Surfaces		X
Cleanliness: Overall Cleanliness, Pest/ Vermin Infestation		X
Electrical: Electrical			X		Electrical upgrades under consideration
Restrooms/Fountains: Restrooms, Sinks/ Fountains			X		Plumbing upgrades under consideration
Safety: Fire Safety, Hazardous Materials		X
Structural: Structural Damage, Roofs		X
External: Playground/School Grounds, Windows/ Doors/Gates/Fences		X
Overall Rating	Good

V. Teachers 

Teacher Credentials 

This table displays the number of teachers assigned to the school with a full credential, without a full credential, and those teaching outside of their subject area of competence. Detailed information about teacher qualifications can be found on the CDE DataQuest Web page. 

Teachers	School			District
	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09	2008-09
With Full Credential			18	34116
Without Full Credential			0	1348
Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence			0	N/A

Teacher Misassignments and Vacant Teacher Positions 

This table displays the number of teacher misassignments (teachers assigned without proper legal authorization) and the number of vacant teacher positions (not filled by a single designated teacher assigned to teach the entire course at the beginning of the school year or semester). Note: Total Teacher Misassignments includes the number of Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners. 

Indicator	2007-08	2008-09	2009-10
Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners		1	3
Total Teacher Misassignments		1	6
Vacant Teacher Positions		0	0

Core Academic Classes Taught by No Child Left Behind Compliant Teachers (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays the percent of classes in core academic subjects taught by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) compliant and non-NCLB compliant teachers in the school, in all schools in the district, in high-poverty schools in the district, and in low-poverty schools in the district. High poverty schools are defined as those schools with student participation of approximately 75 percent or more in the free and reduced price meals program. Low poverty schools are those with student participation of approximately 25 percent or less in the free and reduced price meals program. More information on teacher qualifications required under NCLB can be found on the CDE Improving Teacher and Principal Quality Web page. 

Location of Classes	Percent of Classes In Core Academic Subjects
	Taught by NCLB Compliant Teachers	Taught by Non-NCLB Compliant Teachers
This School	95.8	4.2
All Schools in District	84.6	15.4
High-Poverty Schools in District	85.5	14.5
Low-Poverty Schools in District	90.6	9.4

VI. Support Staff 

Academic Counselors and Other Support Staff (School Year 2008-09) 

This table displays, in units of full-time equivalents (FTE), the number of academic counselors and other support staff who are assigned to the school and the average number of students per academic counselor. One FTE equals one staff member working full time; one FTE could also represent two staff members who each work 50 percent of full time. 

Title	Number of FTE Assigned to School	Average Number of Students per Academic Counselor
Academic Counselor	0	N/A
Library Media Teacher (Librarian)	0	N/A
Psychologist	0	N/A
Social Worker	0	N/A
Nurse	0	N/A
Speech/Language/Hearing Specialist	0	N/A
Resource Specialist (non-teaching)	2	N/A
Other	0	N/A

VII. Curriculum and Instructional Materials 

Quality, Currency, Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials (School Year 2009-10) 

This table displays information about the quality, currency, and availability of the standards-aligned textbooks and other instructional materials used at the school, and information about the school’s use of any supplemental curriculum or non-adopted textbooks or instructional materials. 

Core Curriculum Area	Quality, Currency, and Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials	Percent of Pupils Who Lack Their Own Assigned Textbooks and Instructional Materials
Reading/Language Arts	High	0%
Mathematics	High	0%
Science	High	0%
History-Social Science	High	0%
Foreign Language	High	0%
Health	High	0%
Visual and Performing Arts