School Accountability Report Card Reported for School Year 2008-09

Published during 2009 - 2010

Executive Summary School Accountability Report Card, 2008-09
River Oak Charter School

555 Leslie St. , Ukiah CA 95482 Phone: 707-467-1855

Address:
Administrator Rima Meechan Grade Span: K -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 Administrator or the district office.

About This School

River Oak Charter School offers kindergarten through eighth grade, serving students in the greater Ukiah community. Our
curriculum is aligned with the California State Standards and we strive to create self-motivated, competent lifelong
learners.

Student Enrollment
Group Percent
African American 1.90 %

American Indian or Alaska Native 5.21 %

Asian 2.37 %

Filipino 0.47 %

Hispanic or Latino 18.01 %

Pacific Islander 0.47%

White (not Hispanic) 71.09 %

Multiple or No Response 0.47 %

Socio-economically Disadvantaged 31 %

English Learners 19 %

Students with Disabilities 14 %

Total Number of students 211

Teachers
Indicator Teachers
Teachers with full credential 11
Teachers Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence 0

Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners 0

Total Teacher Misassignments 0

 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 $6,222.5

District
State $6,207.94

Student Performance
Subject Students Proficient and Above on California Standards Tests
English-Language Arts 47

Mathematics 41

Science 41

History-Social Science 46

Academic Progress
Indicator Result
2008 Growth API Score (from 2008 Growth API Report) 750
Statewide Rank (from 2008 Base API Report) 4

2008-09 Program Improvement Status (PI Year) Not in PI

School Completion
Indicator Result
Graduation Rate 100%

Postsecondary Preparation
Percent of
Measures Graduates
Pupils Who Completed a Career Technical Education Program and Earned a High School Diploma N/A
Graduates Who Completed All Courses Required for University of California or California State
N/A
University Admission
 2008-09 School Accountability Report Card Report (SARC)
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 at the SARC Web site. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should
contact the school Administrator or the district office.

23- Data and Access

DataQuest

DataQuest is an online data tool 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 2008-09)
This section provides the schools contact information.
School District
School Name River Oak Charter District Name Ukiah Unified
Street 555 Leslie St. Phone Number 707-463-5211
City, State, Zip Ukiah , CA 95482 Web Site www.uusd.net
Phone Number 707- 467-1855 Superintendent Lois Nash
Administrator Rima Meechan E-mail Address lnash@uusd.net
E-mail Address rmeechan@mcoe.us CDS Code 23-65615-0115055

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

River Oak Charter School is a Steiner–methods public school with a consistent philosophy, curriculum and teaching
method that embraces the developmental nature of the growing child and awakens each child’s full and unique potential.
Steiner-methods education nurtures a sense of wonder and delight and fosters the reverence for nature and humanity
inherent in the young child. Children emerge as adolescents with the self-confidence, direction and purpose to their lives
and leadership in their community.
River Oak Carter School strives, as a dynamic community of teachers, parents and students, to inspire in the child a love
of life and learning, beginning with ones own heart, head and hands, and working towards making a contribution to the
community

Opportunities for Parental Involvement (School Year 2008-09)

Parents are an integral part of River Oak Charter School. Their involvement is crucial to the success of the school.
The school welcomes parent involvement, encouraging all families to volunteer as often as possible throughout
the school year. Parents are welcome to help in the classroom, on field trips, to serve on school committees, to
work on school site needs and to support fundraising efforts. Parents serve on the Charter Council and the
School Site Council. The Parent Council is comprised of parent representatives from each class room. This
council is instrumental in fundraising, supporting the faculty, and serving on important committees. For instance,
the annual May Day Faire is organized and manned entirely by parent volunteers from each class. Parents also
volunteer their time and services for such committees as the grounds committee.
 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 36

Grade 1 20

Grade 2 21

Grade 3 22

Grade 4 24

Grade 5 23

Grade 6 22

Grade 7 23

Grade 8 20

Ungraded Elementary 0

Grade 9 0

Grade 10 0

Grade 11 0

Grade 12 0

Ungraded Secondary 0

Total Enrollment 211

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 1.90 %

American Indian or Alaska Native 5.21 %

Asian 2.37 %

Filipino 0.47 %

Hispanic or Latino 18.01 %

Pacific Islander 0.47 %

White (not Hispanic) 71.09 %

Multiple or No Response 0.47 %

Socioeconomically Disadvantaged 31 %

English Learners 19 %

Students with Disabilities 14 %

 Average Class Size and Class Size Distribution (Elementary)

This table displays by grade level the average class size and the number of classrooms that fall into each size category (a
range of total students per classroom).
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
Number of Number of Number of
Classrooms Classrooms Classrooms
Grade Avg. Class 1-20 21-32 Avg. Class 1-20 21-32 Avg. Class 21-
Level Size 33+ Size 33+ Size 1-20 32 33+
K 36 2 0 19.5 2 0 18.0 2 0

1 21 1 0 20.0 1 0 19.0 1 0

2 20 1 0 20.0 1 0 21.0 1 0

3 21 1 0 24.0 1 0 22.0 1 0

4 24 1 0 24.0 1 0 24.0 1 0

5 24 1 0 24.0 1 0 23.0 1 0

6 18 1 0 16 1 0 22.0 1 0

7 19 1 0 18 1 0 22 1 0

8 18 1 0 17 1 0 18 1 0

Other 6 4 7 3 3 7

III. School Climate

School Safety Plan (School Year 2008-09)
River Oak Charter School has developed a comprehensive school-wide Safety Plan that identifies safety concerns, as
well as, specific prevention and action strategies involving community and local law enforcement and emergency
service agencies. Our school maintains a safe and secure campus by fostering a positive learning environment that
uses prevention strategies and emphasizes high expectations for student conduct.

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.
School District
Rate 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
Suspensions 0.05 0.05 0.09 14.6 21.5
Expulsions 0 0 0 0.4 0.5
 IV. School Facilities

Facility Conditions and Planned Improvements (School Year 2008-09)

River Oak Charter School is located on a one-acre parcel in downtown Ukiah in a commercial/multiple-dwelling residential
neighborhood. The school is comprised of a 13,500 square foot main building and three portable classrooms.
Both the 7th and 8th grade classrooms have a computer area/alcove. There is a small library that also serves as
a music room, and a large classroom that serves as the resource center. The school has a large commons
area for assemblies and plays. The school also has a large grassy playing field.

Repairs Needed

Replacement of damaged/stained acoustic ceiling tiles throughout school. Upgrade of the school’s fire alarm system.
Upgrade of the school’s emergency security system. Replacement of an old portable classroom. Repair the roof on the
main building. Rain water diversion project to avoid flooding in the parking lot. Upgrading of the school’s Parking Lot –
Handicapped parking regulations. Repairs to two existing portable classrooms, including repairs to the roofs, replacing old
damaged carpets and interior painting each classroom. Replacement of windows on the south side of the main building –
health and safety issues. Construction of a six foot gate on south side of the main building.

Corrective Actions Taken or Planned

The upgrades to the fire alarm system and the emergency security system have been done. The replacement of damaged
or stained acoustic ceiling tiles has been done. The replacement of an old portable classroom building has been done.
The repairs on two existing portable classrooms, including repairing the roofs, replacing old damaged carpets and interior
painting has been done. The replacement of windows on the south side of the main building was done in February 2009.
The construction of a six foot gate on the south side of the main building was done in February 2009. The roof on the main
building has been repaired. Repairs to the parking lot have been done. The water diversion project has been done.
All of the repairs have been approved by the Ukiah Fire Marshall and the City of Ukiah Planning Commissioner.

School Facility Good Repair Status (School Year 2008-09)

Repair Status
Fa Poo
Item Inspected Good ir r Repair Needed and Action Taken or Planned
Gas Leaks X

Mechanical Systems X

Windows/Doors/Gates (interior and exterior) X

Interior Surfaces (walls, floors, and ceilings) X

Hazardous Materials (interior and exterior) X

Structural Damage X

Fire Safety X

Electrical (interior and exterior) X

Pest/Vermin Infestation X

Drinking Fountains (inside and outside) X

Restrooms X

Sewer X
 Playground/School Grounds X

Roofs X

Overall Cleanliness X

Overall Summary of School Facility Good Repair Status (School Year 2008-09)
Facility Condition
Item Inspected Exemplary Good Fair Poor
Overall Summary X

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 at the
DataQuest Web site.
School District
Teachers 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09
With Full Credential 12 12 11 328
Without Full Credential 0 0 0 9
Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence 0 0 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 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners 0 0 0

Total Teacher Misassignments 0 0 0

Vacant Teacher Positions 0 0 0

Core Academic Classes Taught by No Child Left Behind Compliant Teachers

(School Year 2008-09)
Percent of Classes In Core Academic Subjects
Taught by Non-NCLB Compliant
Location of Classes Taught by NCLB Compliant Teachers Teachers
This School 100.0 0.0
All Schools in District 98.6 1.4
High-Poverty Schools in District 96 4
Low-Poverty Schools in District --- ---
 VI. Support Staff
Academic Counselors and Other Support Staff (School Year 2008-09)

Number of FTE Assigned Average Number of Students per

Title to School Academic Counselor
Academic Counselor 0 N/A

Library Media Teacher (Librarian) 0 N/A

Library Media Services Staff
0 N/A
(paraprofessional)
Psychologist 0.15 3

Social Worker 0 N/A

Nurse 0.10 211

Speech/Language/Hearing Specialist 0.125 8

Resource Specialist (non-teaching) 1 23

Occupational Therapist 0.04 2

VII. Curriculum and Instructional Materials

Quality, Currency, Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials
(School Year 2008-09)

Steiner- Inspired Curriculum

Percent of Pupils Who
Lack Their Own Assigned
Core Curriculum Quality, Currency, and Availability of Textbooks and Textbooks and
Area Instructional Materials Instructional Materials
Reading/Language Combined total of all grades: 211, plus 57 sets of readers; great condition;
Arts (1961-2006).
0%
Combined total of all grades: 225 plus 25 for 7th and 8th grades; some good,
Mathematics
most very good. (2001-2008)
0%
The children at River Oak develop their own main lesson books in lieu of a
Science standard text. Teachers use demonstrative teaching materials, photographs, 0%
handouts. Students-originated experiments. Field trips.
Combined total of all grades: 106 (20 ancient history text books are shared ½
History-Social
Science
year by 4th grade and 5th grade), work book handouts, demonstrative 0%
materials; field trips. Good. (1999)
Foreign Language 20 Spanish readers, Good 0%
Posters, pamphlets, anatomical models, handouts. Main lesson work books.
Health
Very good.
0%
Visual and 40 string instruments (half, ¾ & full size violins, (2) cellos). 30 band 0%
Performing Arts instruments (flutes, trumpets, saxophones, bells, bass, clarinets drums,
piano), (some students provide own instruments.) Extensive music library.
 22 recorders. 140 sets artist-quality colored pencils, water colors and oils.
Art, sketch, and paint paper and canvases.
25 sets of artist-quality pastels.
Costume closet, numerous scripts (students also write or adapt scripts for
stage performances); Very Good
Science Laboratory (2) large, (3) small microscopes, beakers, slides, misc. glasswork and
Equipment laboratory accessories, (2) Bunsen burners, equipment and supplies to do 0%
(grades 6-8) physic, electrical experiments; Very good,

VIII. School Finances

Expenditures Per Pupil and School Site Teacher Salaries (Fiscal Year 2008-09)
Average
Total Expenditures Expenditures Per Pupil Expenditures Per Teacher
Level Per Pupil (Supplemental) Pupil (Basic) Salary
School Site N/A N/A $6,222.5 $41,090

District N/A N/A N/A $58,249

Percent Difference –
N/A N/A N/A N/A
School Site and District
State N/A N/A $6,207.94 $64,246
Percent Difference –
N/A N/A N/A N/A
School Site and State

Types of Services Funded (Fiscal Year 2008-09)

As a Steiner-methods school, River Oak Charter School offers a variety of specialty programs, including Spanish in all
grades, Handwork, Strings, woodwork and Art.

Teacher and Administrative Salaries (Fiscal Year 2008-09)

District
Category Amount State Average For Districts In Same Category
Beginning Teacher Salary $36,001 $40,917
Mid-Range Teacher Salary $53,001 $64,688
Highest Teacher Salary $71,186 $82,849
Average Principal Salary (Elementary) $91,656 $102,130
Average Principal Salary (Middle) $94,691 $108,050
Average Principal Salary (High) $104,736 $117,845
Superintendent Salary $145,000 $176,547
Percent of Budget for Teacher Salaries 40.4 % 40.3 %
Percent of Budget for Administrative Salaries 4.7 % 5.9 %

IX. Student Performance

California Standards Tests
The California Standards Tests (CSTs) show how well students are doing in relation to the state content standards. The
CSTs include English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 2 through 11; science in grades 5, 8, and 9 through
 11; and history-social science in grades 8, and 10 through 11. Student scores are reported as performance levels.
Detailed information regarding CST results for each grade and performance level, including the percent of students not
tested, can be found on the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Results Web page.

CST Results for All Students - Three-Year Comparison

This table displays the percent of students achieving at the Proficient or Advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state
standards).

School District
Subject 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
English-Language Arts 42 47 52 37 39 43

Mathematics 36 41 50 30 33 35

Science 39 41 65 31 36 40

History-Social Science 21 45 78 32 34 42
Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less because the number of students in this
category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group score be reported that would
deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.

CST Results by Student Group – Most Recent Year

This table displays the percent of students, by group, achieving at the Proficient or Advanced level (meeting or exceeding
the state standards) for the most recent testing period.
Percent of Students Scoring at Proficient or Advanced
English-Language Mathemati Scien History-Social
Group Arts cs ce Science
African American -- -- -- 0

American Indian or Alaska Native -- -- -- 0

Asian -- -- -- 0

Filipino -- -- -- 0

Hispanic or Latino 33 36 -- 0

Pacific Islander -- -- -- 0

White (not Hispanic) 55 51 59 76

Male 44 49 73 *

Female 56 47 50 64

Economically Disadvantaged 37 35 * --

English Learners 32 38 * *

Students with Disabilities 20 10 * *

Students Receiving Migrant Education -- -- -- --
 Services
Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less because the number of students in this
category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group score be reported that would
deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.

California Physical Fitness Test Results (School Year 2008-09)

The California Physical Fitness Test is administered to students in grades 5, 7, and 9 only. This table displays by grade
level the percent of students meeting the healthy fitness zone on all six fitness standards for the most recent testing
period. Detailed information regarding this test, and comparisons of a school’s test results to the district and state levels,
may be found on the Physical Fitness Testing Web page.
Grade Level Percent of Students Meeting Healthy Fitness Zones
5 45.8
7 45.5
Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less because the number of
students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group
score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any
individual student.

X. Accountability
Academic Performance Index

The Academic Performance Index (API) is an annual measure of the academic performance and progress of schools in
California. API scores range from 200 to 1,000, with a statewide target of 800. Detailed information about the API can be
found at the API Web page.

API Ranks – Three-Year Comparison

This table displays the school’s statewide and similar schools API ranks. These ranks are published when the Base API is
released each March. The statewide API rank ranges from 1 to 10. A statewide rank of 1 means that the school has an
API score in the lowest 10 percent of all schools in the state, while a statewide rank of 10 means that the school has an
API score in the highest 10 percent of all schools in the state. The similar schools API rank reflects how a school
compares to 100 statistically matched “similar schools.” A similar schools rank of 1 means that the school’s academic
performance is comparable to the lowest performing 10 schools of the 100 similar schools, while a similar schools rank of
10 means that the school’s academic performance is better than at least 90 of the 100 similar schools.
API Rank 2006 2007 2008
Statewide 5 3 4

Similar Schools 2 1 1
"N/A" means a number is not applicable or not available due to missing data.
"*" means this API is calculated for a small school, defined as having between 11 and 99 valid Standardized Testing
and Reporting (STAR) Program test scores included in the API. The API is asterisked if the school was small
either in 2007 or 2008. APIs based on small numbers of students are less reliable and therefore should be
carefully interpreted.
"A" means the school or subgroups scored at or above the statewide performance target of 800 in 2008.
"B" 0115055
"C" means the school had significant demographic changes and will not have any growth or target information.
"D" means this is either an LEA, an Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM) school, or a special education
school. Target information is not applicable to LEAs, ASAM schools, or special education schools.
"E" indicates this school was an ASAM school in the 2008 Base API Report and has no target information even
though the school is no longer an ASAM school.

API Changes by Student Group – Three-Year Comparison

This table displays by student group the actual API changes in points added or lost for the past three years, and the most
recent API score. Note: "N/A" means that the student group is not numerically significant.
Actual API Change Growth API Score
Group 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2008
All Students at the School N/A B 30 750
African American N/A
American Indian or Alaska Native N/A
Asian N/A
Filipino N/A
Hispanic or Latino N/A
Pacific Islander N/A
White (not Hispanic) N/A 28

Socio-economically Disadvantaged N/A

English Learners N/A
Students with Disabilities N/A
"N/A" means a number is not applicable or not available due to missing data.
"*" means this API is calculated for a small school, defined as having between 11 and 99 valid Standardized Testing
and Reporting (STAR) Program test scores included in the API. The API is asterisked if the school was small
either in 2007 or 2008. APIs based on small numbers of students are less reliable and therefore should be
carefully interpreted.
"A" means the school or subgroups scored at or above the statewide performance target of 800 in 2008.
"B" means the school did not have a valid 2008 Base API and will not have any growth or target information.
"C" means the school had significant demographic changes and will not have any growth or target information.
"D" means this is either an LEA, an Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM) school, or a special education
school. Target information is not applicable to LEAs, ASAM schools, or special education schools.
"E" indicates this school was an ASAM school in the Base API Report and has no target information even though the
school is no longer an ASAM school.

Adequate Yearly Progress

The federal NCLB act requires that all schools and districts meet the following Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) criteria:
• Participation rate on the state's standards-based assessments in English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics
• Percent proficient on the state's standards-based assessments in ELA and mathematics
• API as an additional indicator
• Graduation rate (for secondary schools)
Detailed information about AYP, including participation rates and percent proficient results by student group, can be found
at the AYP Web page.

AYP Overall and by Criteria (School Year 2008-09)

This table displays an indication of whether the school and the district made AYP overall and whether the school and the
district met each of the AYP criteria.
AYP Criteria School District
Overall Yes No
Participation Rate - English-Language Arts Yes Yes
Participation Rate - Mathematics Yes Yes
Percent Proficient - English-Language Arts Yes No
Percent Proficient - Mathematics Yes No
API Yes Yes
Graduation Rate N/A Yes

Federal Intervention Program (School Year 2008-09)

Schools and districts receiving federal Title I funding enter Program Improvement (PI) if they do not make AYP for two
consecutive years in the same content area (English-language arts or mathematics) or on the same indicator (API or
graduation rate). After entering PI, schools and districts advance to the next level of intervention with each additional year
that they do not make AYP. Detailed information about PI identification can be found at the AYP Web page.
Indicator School District
Program Improvement Status Not in PI In PI
First Year of Program Improvement N/A 2007-2008
Year in Program Improvement N/A Year 3
Number of Schools Currently in Program Improvement N/A 11
Percent of Schools Currently in Program Improvement N/A 68.8

XII. Instructional Planning and Scheduling

Professional Development

This section provides information on the annual number of school days dedicated to staff development for the most recent
three-year period.
 All teachers at River Oak Charter School have frequent opportunities for meaningful professional development.
Teachers may attend seminars presented by the Mendocino County Office of Education or the Sonoma County Office
of Education (“SCOE”), such as “Starting Out Right” and Response to Intervention workshops. Several River Oak
Charter School teachers have attended the California Charter Schools Association Conference. When a teacher attends
a conference or seminar, it is regular practice to have a time reserved at faculty meetings where ideas and innovations
can be shared with the faculty. Two days a year are dedicated to staff development.