The state handed out its version of report cards to public high schools Wednesday, and opinions varied among Mid-Mon Valley superintendents. The Department of Education released its 2015 Building Level Academic Scores, based upon the overall performance of 11th graders during the 2014-2015 school year. The scores – measured along a 100-point scale with 70 being average – rely heavily on state assessment scores such as the standardized Keystone Exams. Other factors include availability of advanced placement classes, graduation and attendance rates and measured academic growth. Elementary and middle schools did not receive scores because the 2014-2015 PSSA Core assessments were placed on a one-year waiver so districts could adjust to more stringent standards. Charleroi Area boasted the highest score in the Mid-Mon Valley with an 89.8. In Intermediate Unit 1, which comprises 25 school districts in three counties, Charleroi Area scored second, trailing only Peters Township. “This whole thing starts at the elementary level, and it's great news for us and the whole learning community,� Charleroi Area Superintendent Ed Zelich said. “Our real strength was student growth.� Using indicators of academic growth – part of the overall score – Charleroi Area juniors achieved a 100 in mathematics/algebra I, 96 in English/literature and 97 in science and biology. The high school's worst mark was 57.87 in SAT/ACT college readiness. Zelich said academic growth factors in each student's score from third through eighth grade are based on projections of the level each student should reach by 11th grade. While not all students aced subjects via letter grades, most showed outstanding overall growth. “Let's say we're coaching a football team that goes from a winless season to 4-6,� Zelich said. “Others might look at you as a four-win team that's not very good, but you would consider that a good year because you've had a lot of improvement. If you have a team that finishes 8-1 and drops to 7-2, that's a good team, but you did not show growth.� Belle Vernon Area High School received a 78.2, which was bittersweet news. Superintendent Dr. John Wilkinson said the score was lower than last year, but the overall ranking rose compared to other area districts. The high school scored top proficiency (100) in the SAT/ACT college readiness benchmark and academic growth in science and biology. However, it fell below 60 points in two mathematics/algebra evaluations. Wilkinson said he doesn't give much credence to the overall score, calling it “a snapshot in time.� “The algorithm they use to arrive at that number is about as long as your arm,� Wilkinson said. “The questions I would ask of the state are: ‘Is the data relative, is it reliable and does it sustain over time, or is it just a one-time snapshot?' “This is like evaluating somebody's checking account one time. Sure, it might look big right after you get paid, but will it look as good after you've paid your mortgage and your gas bill?� Wilkinson said the score won't affect the district financially, adding he prefers to examine a long-term body of work. “We do our best, and we serve the kids the best we can,� he said. Ringgold High School received a 78.1 with good marks in academic growth, advanced placement and graduation rates. The school, however, struggled in the area of historically underperforming students “closing the achievement gap,� the state indicated. Superintendent Dr. Karen Polkabla said district officials prefer the new academic score because it takes into account various testing to measure academic performance, especially at the secondary level. “In the high school, they allow for the use of the tests they give in the vo-tech, for the SATs, the ACTs and even the PSAT test scores,� she said. “They use more than one measure, not just the Keystone scores.� Polkabla said Ringgold's score increased eight points from the previous score. “One of the areas we improved in was we're showing growth, especially in biology,� Polkabla said. “But we'd still like to see our Keystone scores increase.� Monessen scored the lowest of Valley schools with a 54.6, despite high marks in attendance and graduation rates and a 97 in English/literature academic growth expectations. “Last year, we decided we were going to focus on reading with a bottom-up approach because you can't pass any test if you can't read, Superintendent Dr. Leanne Spazak said. “We decided to focus on early intervention, and we saw a lot of growth in that area. “I wish I could change it overnight, but it takes years to even see that difference.� Spazak said she was happy with the results even though they are not where she wants them to be. Spazak said state-issued scores are unfairly skewed by the number of advanced placement classes and SAT preparation for college-bound students. Small schools with less revenue and a large percentage of students from low-income households – like Monessen – are at a distinct disadvantage. “I would much rather have them take accounting or math related specifically on what they're going into careerwise instead of forcing them to ace algebra I,� she said. “We are expected to individualize instruction, but get a score based on treating everyone the same. It makes no sense.� Spazak said she is not making excuses. “It's our reality and we have a harder battle to fight than most districts do,� she said. Spazak, though, said the school made a five-point improvement compared to 2013-2014. She noted a positive aspect of the state's evolving evaluation system. “There is much more data available now, and it is so detailed you can see the areas of improvement and the ones you need to focus on,� she said. “That said, a single score is not representative of what our staff does for our students every day. Our responsibility is to teach the whole child, and that goes beyond academics.� The 2015 Building Level Academic Scores for Mid-Mon Valley High Schools were as follows: • Bentworth, 77.5 • Belle Vernon Area, 78.2 • California Area, 70.6 • Charleroi Area, 89.8 • Elizabeth Forward, 63.7 • Frazier, 86.8 • Monessen, 54.6 • Ringgold, 78.1 • Yough, 73.6 Rick Bruni Jr. is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Staff writer Chris Buckley contributed to this report.