Summary:
The 35221 zip code area in Alabama is home to two underperforming schools: Wenonah High School and Jones Valley Middle School. Both schools are ranked in the bottom 10-15% of their respective school types in the state, with 0 out of 5 stars from SchoolDigger, indicating very low overall performance.
Academically, the schools struggle significantly, with proficiency rates in core subjects like Math, Science, and English Language Arts falling far below Birmingham City district and Alabama state averages. For example, only 1.37% of 11th-grade students at Wenonah High School were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 11.23% in the district and 28.09% statewide. These academic challenges are likely exacerbated by the high poverty rates at both schools, with over 84% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Despite relatively high per-student spending, the schools have not been able to translate this into better outcomes for students. The high student-teacher ratios, at 16.1 for Wenonah High School and 19.3 for Jones Valley Middle School, suggest that resources may not be optimally allocated to support student learning and development. Addressing the persistent underperformance and systemic inequities in these schools will require a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply increasing funding, focusing instead on equitable distribution of resources, targeted interventions, and a deeper understanding of the root causes of these disparities.
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