What’s in statistic? We tend to place a great deal of importance on statistics, and rightly so as there is much we can learn from such information. Such statistical information is valuable in gaining an understanding of the social and economic issues that are the driving force impacting our community.
When we look at the statistical information regarding the Imperial Valley, there is much that sets us apart from the rest of the state. We have the highest unemployment rate, which is hovering at 24 percent, and we have one of the lowest – if not the lowest – per capita income levels in the state. Then, we have the highest level of English language learners in the state.
That kind of statistical information suggests we have real barriers to overcome in building our economy.
That kind of statistical information also can stand as at least a partial reason why in the educational arena our schools standardized test scores have been somewhat lower than we find in other areas of the state.
Again, it makes sense in an area that has historically been economically depressed and where there is a large percentage of English learners that standardized test scores would be lower.
That said, I must go back to a statement made earlier – that there is much we can learn from such statistical information.
And what can we learn about Imperial County?
We learn that we live in a county that does not allow itself to give in to barriers. We learn that we live in a county where educational leaders, government leaders, business leaders, parents and students themselves are willing to put in the work so that we are a county that overcomes challenges.
That is what our statistics show.
For example, in 1999 Imperial County ranked 55th of 58 counties in California in lowest standardized test scores as noted in the Academic Performance Index, the state’s measuring system for standardized testing performance. In 2007 our scores improved to such a degree that we were then ranked 43rd in the state.
Imperial County showed the third greatest improvement in the state in test scores as noted in the API.
In 2007 65 percent of the schools in Imperial County met their API targets whereas statewide 59 percent of schools met their targets. Specifically 70 percent of Imperial County middle schools met their API targets while statewide that number was only at 46 percent. Similarly, 63 percent of Imperial County high schools met their targets while only 37 percent of high schools statewide met their targets.
Our students are continuing to show advancements in the areas of reading, writing and math.
John Anderson, Imperial County superintendent of schools and founder of the P-16 Council – which brings the education and business sectors together to expand a college-going environment – said the numbers are a clear sign we are on the right track.
“We are being very attentive to our rigor”, he said. “We are very focused.”
So, you see, there is much to be said for the statistical information. Yes, we have a way to go in our effort to improve and have all schools in Imperial County meet statewide standards for test scores.
Yes, we have challenges, maybe even barriers.
But Imperial County quickly is becoming a showcase for the rest of the state for how a community comes together to face such challenges.
On Oct. 9, the P-16 Council, the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corp. and the Imperial County Workforce Development Board – along with community volunteers and sponsors – held the inaugural Education and Workforce Conference to look at how education, industry and workforce development can better work together to expand the educated work force in Imperial County.
You can bet other communities throughout the state are looking toward that event as a model for how communities can come together.
Imperial County does not rest on excuses. We are a county that works to bring improvement and that is exactly what the statistics show. So keep watching for those statistics and pay close attention to what they really mean. You will find they show consistent improvement.