District-wide test scores show Arcadia remains high in test results, though some Board of Education members are concerned about a drop in spelling scores for the 6th and 12th grades.
Scholastic Aptitude Test scores show Arcadia students taking the test have scored above the national average for several years. The SAT, used by many colleges in admissions, is a measure of verbal and mathematical skills.
Volunteer aides make the Early Childhood Education program work. the State mandated and funded program aims at giving youngsters from pre-school through the 3rd grade better learning experiences. Camino Grove is the only school in the district with the pilot program.
The Early Childhood Education program in effect at Camino grove School since last fall has been ranked 19th out of 800 in the State. The program provides funds to expand the program from K through 3rd grade. It is the ultimate goal of California State School Superintendent Wilson Riles that all schools will be able to have ECE.
Parents with children in the EMR (Educable Mentally Retarded) program in the Arcadia schools have written letters to the state, county and local school officials outlining the difficulties EMR teachers are having controlling their students without help from aides (lost due to Prop. 13).
The California Teachers Association has filed charges with the Public Employees Relations Board against 16 area schools including Monrovia, Arcadia and Duarte. The charges relate to actions taken as a result of Proposition 13.
The Arcadia Early Childhood Education (ECE) program may be at an end in Arcadia. Two schools have requested to terminate their programs and a 3rd school wished to make large changes in its program.
The Early Childhood Education programs have been merged into the School Improvement Programs. A proposed consortium will consist of the Beverly Hills, La Canada, Arcadia, South Pasadena and Temple City districts.
For the first time ever, there is a proficiency examination, which if passed successfully, would permit a student to leave school at 16. A certificate issued by the State will be legally equivalent to a diploma. The student must also have parental approval.
If the School Board approves, 1976-77 will be the 9th year that Arcadia has participated in Title I funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Primary usage for these federal funds is on those youngsters who fall below the 50th percentile in achievement tests.