Canton Junior Senior High School

In 2017, Canton Area School District's graduation rate was 84.72%.[18]

• 2016 - declined to 83.58%.[19]
• 2015 - 97.65%.[20]
• 2014 - 87%
• 2013 - 85%.[21]
• 2012 - 90%.[22]
• 2011 - 88%.[23]
• 2010 - 88%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[24]

Former AYP graduation rate

• 2010 - 88%[25]
• 2009 - 87% [26]
• 2008 - 88% [27]
• 2007 - 88% [28]

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 33% of Canton Senior High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[65] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.[66] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in mathematics or English.

The Canton Area School Board has determined that a student must earn 27 credits to graduate, including: English 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Health .25 credit, Physical Education 2 credits, Technology Business 2 credits, and Driver's Ed .25 credit. Participating in a PIAA school sport or cheerleading counts towards a Physical education credit in 11th grade and 12th grade. Additionally, students are required to complete 60 hours of community service or participate in a school sponsored club or sport.[67]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[68][69] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[70]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2020,[71][72] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[73] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[74]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[75][76] The original intent was to gradually add seven more exams including civics and geometry. In 2017, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation that eliminated developing any more Keystone Exams in other subjects.[77] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level.[78] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

In 2017, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed House Bill 202,[79] which makes modifications of the Keystone Exam mandates for students who attend VoTech and Career Tech schools. These pupils will be allowed to use alternate assessments or industry-based certifications.[80][81]

The Canton Junior Senior High School offers the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[82] Canton Area School District has an agreement with Keystone College.[83] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[84] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.[85] In 2010, the district received a $36,192 state grant to be used to assist students with tuition, fees and books. In 2015, the Canton Area School Board approved dual enrollment agreements with Lackawanna College and Keystone College.[86]

In 2016, 33 Canton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 480. The Math average score was 485. The Writing average score was 448.[87] The College Board also reported that statewide 92,569 pupils took the exams with average scores declining again in all three measurers to: 494 in reading, 508 in math and 482 in writing.[88] Nationally, 1,681,134 students took the SATs.[89]

In 2015, 33 Canton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 462. The Math average score was 484. The Writing average score was 461.[90] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.[91]

In 2014, 53 Canton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 450. The Math average score was 469. The Writing average score was 437.[92][93] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[94] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 41 Canton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 457. The Math average score was 469. The Writing average score was 443. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.[95]

In 2012, 51 Canton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 444. The Math average score was 463. The Writing average score was 434. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the US, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 44 Canton Area students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 444. The Math average score was 445. The Writing average score was 414.[96] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[97] In the United States 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.[98]

In 2013, Canton Junior Senior High School offered 5 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education institutions give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some colleges also award credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Canton Junior Senior High School, in 2013, fewer than 10 of the students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[99]

In 2015, Canton Junior Senior High School offered 4 AP courses. None of the students who took the courses achieved a 3 or better on the AP exam given at the end of the course.[100] In 2016, the School reported offering 3 AP courses with less than 10 pupils achieving a 3 or better on the end of course exam.

Freshman students take four seminars rotating to a new one each marking period. Thinking skills and problem solving as well as, teamwork and career exploration are taught. The seminar courses include: Character Building, Achievement Skills, Goal Setting and Career Exploration.[101]

Seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[102] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.[103] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[104] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[105]

2017 School Performance Profile

Just 52% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 30% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 53.9% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[106][107] In 7th grade, 60% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 38.6% demonstrated on grade level math skills

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 68 out of 100 points. At Canton Junior Senior High School PSSA mandated testing results were: 55% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while 34% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 54% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on-grade-level science understanding.[108] In 7th grade, 58% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 40% demonstrated on-grade-level math skills. Statewide just 31% of eighth graders demonstrated on grade level in math and 58% of eighth graders were on grade level in reading. In science, 57.7% of eighth graders showed on grade level proficiency. Among 7th graders, just 37% of students demonstrated on grade evel skills in mathematics. In seventh grade reading, 58% were on grade level.[109]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld the school's SPP scores. It was reported that 63% of 8th grade students at Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 51% of 8th grade students showed on-grade-level skills. In science, 64% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on-grade-level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 49% were on grade level in reading, while only 26% showed on-grade-level math skills.[110]

2014 School Performance Profile

Canton Junior High School achieved a SPP score of 76.6 out of 100. Reflects on-grade-level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 81% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 76.5% showed on-grade-level mathematics skills. In Science, 67.6% of 8th graders showed on-grade-level science understanding. In writing, 57% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on-grade-level writing skills.[111][112]

2013 School Performance Profile

Canton Junior High School achieved 75.9 out of 100. Reflects on-grade-level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 76.5% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 75% of the students showed on-grade-level skills. In Science, only 51.8% of the 8th graders demonstrated on-grade-level understanding. In writing, 82% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on-grade-level writing skills.[113] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

PSSA results

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 69% on grade level (15% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[114]
• 2011 - 79%, 49% advanced (7% below basic). State - 81.8%
• 2010 - 67%, 30% advanced (16% below basic) State - 81%[115]
• 2009 - 72%, 43% advanced (17% below basic), State - 80%
• 2008 - 71%, 31% advanced (12% below basic), State - 78%
• 2007 - 77%, 41% advanced (8% below basic), State - 75%[116]

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 75% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 76% [117]
• 2011 - 73%, 33% advanced (17% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 62%, 33% advanced (19% below basic) State - 75%
• 2009 - 56%, 32% advanced (20% below basic), State - 71%
• 2008 - 68%, 45% advanced (14% below basic), State - 70%[118]
• 2007 - 56%, 24% advanced (16% below basic), State - 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 61% on grade level (21% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 57% (24% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 44%, (34% below basic), State - 57%.
• 2009 - 44%, (26% below basic), State - 54%[119]
• 2008 - 47%, (26% below basic), State - 52%[120]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Canton Area School District did not implement the state's free dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.[121] The process identifies students at risk for dropping out by examining the pupil's: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.[122]

Students who live in the Canton Area School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the Canton Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates was $10,065.99 for the high school.[123]

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Canton Area School District received $105,293 in 2006–07. In 2007–08 the district received $131,242. For the 2008–09, school year the district did not apply for funding. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[124]

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Governor Edward Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth's high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.[125] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades. High school's applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Canton Area School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $50,000 funding over three years.[126][127] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.[128]

The Canton Junior Senior High School administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district in 2013. Additionally, there were multiple assaults on students and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in three incidents at the schools, with one arrest.[129] [130] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online. Nationally, nearly 20% of pupils report being bullied at school.[131]

The Canton Area School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[132] The district participates in the Olweus antibullying program.[133] All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.[134] The Center for Schools and Communities works in with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.[135][136] According to the Center for Disease Control's biannual national study of high school students in 2009, five percent of Pennsylvania students did not go to school for at least one day because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to or from school.[137]

Education standards relating to student safety and anti harassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[138]

The Canton Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports for high school and junior high school students.[139] Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.[140][141] The district spends more than $600,000 a year providing extracurriculars.[142]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the Canton Area School District, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those home schooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[143][144]

According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.[145][146][147]

Clubs include

• Band
• Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
• FFA
• Language clubs
• Scholarship Challenge
• Library Club
• DJ Club