Lifelong Learning and Education Lifelong Learning and Education
High-quality education and learning opportunities from birth to end of life

Impact 2: Quality of Education and Learning Opportunities and Environments

The community indicators on this page provide an overview of how Santa Cruz County residents are doing in key areas of this community impact. This helps us understand how our community is doing overall, and whether particular people or areas in the county are experiencing greater challenges or hardships that need to be addressed. To learn more about any community indicator, click See More Data. 
Indicators

Student-to-Teacher Ratio

The student-teacher ratio gives an approximation of the amount of individualized attention from teachers that is available to each student. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, larger schools tend to have higher student-teacher ratios; a low student-to-teacher ratio can increase student achievement, enhance a child's test scores and provide lasting academic benefits.
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Student-to-Teacher Ratio

Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (21.2) is less and better than the previously measured value (21.5). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (21.2) is less and better than the previously measured value (21.5).
(Compared to Prior Value)
Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 21.2 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 21.0 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 21.9. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 21.2 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 21.0 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 21.9.
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to U.S. Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 21.2 which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 13.9 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 15.7. Compared to U.S. Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 21.2 which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 13.9 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 15.7.
(Compared to U.S. Counties)
Compared to the CA Value (21.9), Santa Cruz has a value of 21.2 which is lower and better. Compared to the CA Value (21.9), Santa Cruz has a value of 21.2 which is lower and better.
(Compared to CA State Value)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Caring Relationship with Educators

When school climate is positive, students feel safe and connected to school. When students have meaningful relationships with educators, they are more likely to succeed academically and engage in healthy behaviors. 
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Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (61.0%) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (61.0%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (61.0%) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (61.0%).
Quality of Educator-Learner Relationships at School: Caring Adult/7th Grade
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (56.0%) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (56.0%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (56.0%) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (56.0%).
Quality of Educator-Learner Relationships at School: Caring Adult/9th Grade
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (60.0%) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (60.0%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (60.0%) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (60.0%).
Quality of Educator-Learner Relationships at School: Caring Adult/11th Grade

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to Prior Value)

Indicator

Per Pupil Spending

Recent research has shown that investing more money in teacher salaries, school construction, and schools with high populations of low-income students does, in fact, close the achievement gap and leads to improved student outcomes. 
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Per Pupil Spending

Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing significantly.
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the CA Value ($17,020.9), Santa Cruz has a value of $17,208.1. Compared to the CA Value ($17,020.9), Santa Cruz has a value of $17,208.1.
(Compared to CA State Value)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz ($17,208.1) is greater than the previously measured value ($14,260.2). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz ($17,208.1) is greater than the previously measured value ($14,260.2).
(Compared to Prior Value)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Teacher Retention

A large proportion of first- and second-year teachers may indicate a less experienced teaching force.
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Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (12) is greater than the previously measured value (11). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (12) is greater than the previously measured value (11).
Teacher Retention: Number of First-Year Teachers
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (4) is less than the previously measured value (11). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (4) is less than the previously measured value (11).
Teacher Retention: Number of Second-Year Teachers

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to Prior Value)

Indicators

Quality of Educator Workforce

The average number of years a teacher has been teaching can be considered as an indicator of the quality of the educator workforce. More years teaching is assumed to lead to better quality teaching.
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Quality of Educator Workforce: Average Teaching Experience (Years)

Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (10) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (10). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (10) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (10).
(Compared to Prior Value)
10
Years

County: Santa Cruz

INDICATOR

Feelings of Safety of School

Feeling safe and supported at school can have a significant impact on academic performance. Students who feel safe and supported at school tend to have better school attendance and achievement, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. 
 
 
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Compared to the CA Value (12.8%), Santa Cruz has a value of 16.4% which is higher and better. Compared to the CA Value (12.8%), Santa Cruz has a value of 16.4% which is higher and better.
Youth who feel Very Safe at School: 9th Graders
(Compared to CA State Value)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (16.4%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (15.1%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (16.4%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (15.1%).
Youth who feel Very Safe at School: 9th Graders
(Compared to Prior Value)
Compared to the CA Value (13.4%), Santa Cruz has a value of 20.2% which is higher and better. Compared to the CA Value (13.4%), Santa Cruz has a value of 20.2% which is higher and better.
Youth who feel Very Safe at School: 11th Graders
(Compared to CA State Value)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (20.2%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (18.1%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (20.2%) is greater and better than the previously measured value (18.1%).
Youth who feel Very Safe at School: 11th Graders
(Compared to Prior Value)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicator

Youth Connectedness to School

Students who feel connected to their school feel safe, happy, and fairly treated. These youth are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, have better attendance, and stay in school longer.
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Youth Connectedness to School: 11th Graders

Compared to the CA Value (40%), Santa Cruz has a value of 47% which is higher and better. Compared to the CA Value (40%), Santa Cruz has a value of 47% which is higher and better.
(Compared to CA State Value)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (47%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (50%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (47%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (50%).
(Compared to Prior Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is increasing, not significantly.
(Compared to Trend over Time)

County: Santa Cruz

Indicators

Teacher Effectiveness

 
Data unavailable at this time
 
Santa Cruz