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Berkeley Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating: 6 out of 10. GreatSchools Ratings are based on test results. 10 is best.
This district's rating is based on its schools' test results; 10 is best. Learn more >

Learn About This District's:

2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
Alameda County
Map >

PH: (510) 644-6206
FAX: (510) 540-5358

District Web site >

  • Grades PK-12
  • 9227 students
  • 17 schools

View all schools in this district >

Compare top-rated schools in this district:


 CST Results

 
Scale: % at or above proficient

Grade 2

English Language Arts
 65% (2011)
 58% (2010)
 55% (2009)
 50% (2008)
 51% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 56% in 2011.

Math
 76% (2011)
 70% (2010)
 66% (2009)
 64% (2008)
 64% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Math was 66% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Grade 3

English Language Arts
 55% (2011)
 56% (2010)
 45% (2009)
 45% (2008)
 40% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 46% in 2011.

Math
 71% (2011)
 71% (2010)
 59% (2009)
 64% (2008)
 58% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Math was 68% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Grade 4

English Language Arts
 75% (2011)
 66% (2010)
 68% (2009)
 62% (2008)
 57% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 64% in 2011.

Math
 79% (2011)
 68% (2010)
 72% (2009)
 71% (2008)
 58% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Grade 5

Science
 58% (2011)
 61% (2010)
 57% (2009)
 56% (2008)
 41% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Science was 58% in 2011.

English Language Arts
 64% (2011)
 69% (2010)
 63% (2009)
 57% (2008)
 52% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2011.

Math
 69% (2011)
 73% (2010)
 67% (2009)
 62% (2008)
 52% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Math was 63% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Grade 6

English Language Arts
 67% (2011)
 63% (2010)
 59% (2009)
 56% (2008)
 47% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 55% in 2011.

Math
 67% (2011)
 67% (2010)
 59% (2009)
 49% (2008)
 44% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Math was 53% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Grade 7

English Language Arts
 72% (2011)
 64% (2010)
 56% (2009)
 51% (2008)
 54% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2011.

Math
 67% (2011)
 61% (2010)
 51% (2009)
 48% (2008)
 49% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Math was 50% in 2011.

Algebra I
 97% (2011)
 100% (2010)
 94% (2009)
 100% (2008)
 95% (2007)
The state average for Algebra I was 83% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Grade 8

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)
Data not available for this district (2011)
Data not available for this district (2010)
Data not available for this district (2009)
 8% (2008)
 1% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards) was 32% in 2011.

Science
 63% (2011)
 60% (2010)
 53% (2009)
 54% (2008)
 45% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Science was 63% in 2011.

English Language Arts
 64% (2011)
 61% (2010)
 49% (2009)
 51% (2008)
 49% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2011.

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative
 56% (2011)
 53% (2010)
 47% (2009)
 47% (2008)
 46% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative was 50% in 2011.

Algebra I
 52% (2011)
 50% (2010)
 32% (2009)
 39% (2008)
 32% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Algebra I was 47% in 2011.

Geometry
 94% (2011)
 100% (2010)
 100% (2009)
 95% (2008)
 100% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Geometry was 88% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Grade 9

Algebra II
 76% (2011)
 69% (2010)
 81% (2009)
 68% (2008)
 85% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Algebra II was 69% in 2011.

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)
Data not available for this district (2011)
 8% (2010)
 0% (2009)
Data not available for this district (2008)
 0% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards) was 18% in 2011.

Biology/Life Sciences
 53% (2011)
 50% (2010)
 60% (2009)
 64% (2008)
 61% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Biology/Life Sciences was 57% in 2011.

English Language Arts
 62% (2011)
 59% (2010)
 60% (2009)
 57% (2008)
 54% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 55% in 2011.

Physics
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Physics was 16% in 2006.

Earth Science
Data not available for this district (2011)
Data not available for this district (2010)
Data not available for this district (2009)
Data not available for this district (2008)
Data not available for this district (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Earth Science was 37% in 2011.

World History
 0% (2011)
 0% (2010)
 0% (2009)
 11% (2008)
 0% (2007)
The state average for World History was 48% in 2011.

Integrated/Coordinated Science 1
 0% (2011)
 2% (2010)
 1% (2009)
 3% (2008)
 16% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Integrated/Coordinated Science 1 was 22% in 2011.

Algebra I
 5% (2011)
 8% (2010)
 2% (2009)
 4% (2008)
 2% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Algebra I was 23% in 2011.

Geometry
 44% (2011)
 43% (2010)
 42% (2009)
 48% (2008)
 50% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Geometry was 49% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Grade 10

Algebra II
 20% (2011)
 23% (2010)
 25% (2009)
 25% (2008)
 31% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Algebra II was 43% in 2011.

High School (Summative) Mathematics (Grade 9-11)
 77% (2011)
 77% (2010)
 23% (2009)
 80% (2008)
 78% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for High School (Summative) Mathematics (Grade 9-11) was 77% in 2011.

Science
 49% (2011)
 48% (2010)
 20% (2009)
 53% (2008)
 42% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Science was 50% in 2011.

Biology/Life Sciences
 29% (2011)
 16% (2010)
 33% (2009)
 36% (2008)
 48% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Biology/Life Sciences was 41% in 2011.

English Language Arts
 48% (2011)
 50% (2010)
 56% (2009)
 49% (2008)
 47% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 48% in 2011.

Chemistry
 36% (2011)
 45% (2010)
 49% (2009)
 48% (2008)
 47% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Chemistry was 46% in 2011.

Earth Science
Data not available for this district (2011)
Data not available for this district (2010)
Data not available for this district (2009)
Data not available for this district (2008)
Data not available for this district (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Earth Science was 31% in 2011.

World History
 40% (2011)
 45% (2010)
 52% (2009)
 44% (2008)
 30% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for World History was 45% in 2011.

Algebra I
 0% (2011)
 0% (2010)
 0% (2009)
 2% (2008)
 1% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Algebra I was 13% in 2011.

Geometry
 9% (2011)
 3% (2010)
 4% (2009)
 3% (2008)
 4% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Geometry was 17% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Grade 11

Algebra II
 2% (2011)
 3% (2010)
 5% (2009)
 0% (2008)
 10% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Algebra II was 16% in 2011.

High School (Summative) Mathematics (Grade 9-11)
 34% (2011)
 40% (2010)
 40% (2009)
 35% (2008)
 39% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for High School (Summative) Mathematics (Grade 9-11) was 50% in 2011.

Biology/Life Sciences
 75% (2011)
 65% (2010)
 62% (2009)
 32% (2008)
 67% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Biology/Life Sciences was 49% in 2011.

U.S. History
 46% (2011)
 55% (2010)
 50% (2009)
 38% (2008)
 46% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for U.S. History was 48% in 2011.

English Language Arts
 44% (2011)
 53% (2010)
 47% (2009)
 42% (2008)
 48% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 45% in 2011.

Physics
 56% (2011)
 74% (2010)
 56% (2009)
Data not available for this district (2008)
Data not available for this district (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Physics was 56% in 2011.

Chemistry
 7% (2011)
 17% (2010)
 19% (2009)
 32% (2008)
 23% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Chemistry was 29% in 2011.

Earth Science
Data not available for this district (2011)
Data not available for this district (2010)
 58% (2009)
Data not available for this district (2008)
Data not available for this district (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Earth Science was 35% in 2011.

World History
 3% (2011)
 8% (2010)
 0% (2009)
 3% (2008)
 0% (2007)
The state average for World History was 17% in 2011.

Algebra I
 0% (2011)
 0% (2010)
 3% (2009)
 4% (2008)
 0% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Algebra I was 9% in 2011.

Geometry
 4% (2011)
 0% (2010)
 2% (2009)
 7% (2008)
 5% (2007)
Data not available for this district (2006)
The state average for Geometry was 9% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

About the tests

  • In 2010-2011 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled.
  • The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California.
  • The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

Testing in California: An Overview

See California's state standards

Back to top >
 CAHSEE Results

 
Scale: % passing

Grade 10

English Language Arts
 81% (2011)
 84% (2010)
 81% (2009)
 80% (2008)
 81% (2007)
 83% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 82% in 2011.

Math
 81% (2011)
 82% (2010)
 80% (2009)
 75% (2008)
 79% (2007)
 80% (2006)
The state average for Math was 83% in 2011.

Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

About the Tests

  • In 2010-2011 California used the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) to test high school students' skills in English language arts and mathematics.
  • The results for grade 10 students taking the test for the first time are displayed on GreatSchools profiles.
  • The CAHSEE is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of California.
  • Students must pass all parts of the CAHSEE in order to graduate from high school. If they do not pass it the first time, students have multiple opportunities to retake the test.
  • The goal is for all students to pass both sections of the test.

Testing in California: An Overview

Back to top >
 CAHSEE Results By Subgroup

 
The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

Scale: % passing

Grade 10
English Language ArtsThis District
All Students81%
Females83%
Males78%
African American57%
Asian81%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino78%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)97%
Two or more races84%
Economically disadvantaged62%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Economic Status Unknown70%
Students participating in special education program23%
English learner37%
Language Fluency Unknown91%

MathThis District
All Students81%
Females83%
Males79%
African American57%
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)97%
Two or more races81%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Economic Status Unknown73%
Students participating in special education program37%
English learner59%
Language Fluency Unknown83%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

About the Tests

  • In 2010-2011 California used the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) to test high school students' skills in English language arts and mathematics.
  • The results for grade 10 students taking the test for the first time are displayed on GreatSchools profiles.
  • The CAHSEE is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of California.
  • The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.
  • Students must pass all parts of the CAHSEE in order to graduate from high school. If they do not pass it the first time, students have multiple opportunities to retake the test.
  • The goal is for all students to pass both sections of the test.

Testing in California: An Overview

Back to top >
 Teachers

 
Teacher Credentials
Information about this data
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
 This DistrictState Average
Full credential97%96%
Emergency credential or waiver<1%2%
Teacher Experience and Credentials: Issues to Consider >
Teacher Experience
Information about this data
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
 This DistrictState Average
Average years teaching1313
Average years teaching in district911
Teacher Experience and Credentials: Issues to Consider >
Average Class Size
Information about this data
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
 This DistrictState Average
Class size2525
How Important is Class Size? >
Back to top >
 Students

 
Student Ethnicity
Information about this data
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
EthnicityThis DistrictState Average
White31%28%
African American26%7%
Multiple or No Response19%3%
Hispanic or Latino17%49%
Asian7%8%
Filipino<1%3%
American Indian or Alaska Native<1%<1%
Pacific Islander<1%<1%
How Important is Cultural Diversity at Your School? >
Student Subgroups
Information about this data
Source: 1NCES, 2008-2009
2CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
 This DistrictState Average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program139%52%
English language learners213%24%
The Achievement Gap: Is Your School Helping All Students? >
Back to top >
 Spending Per Pupil

 
Spending Per Pupil
Information about this data
 This DistrictState Average
Total per pupil expenditures$11,289$9,093
Breakdown By Expenditure  
Instructional60%61%
Student and staff support9%11%
Administration14%13%
Other expenditures17%16%
Source: NCES, 2006-2007
School Finance: Issues to Consider >
Back to top >
Tips and Advice by Grade Level
Tips and Advice for Your Kindergartener Tips and Advice for Your First-Grader Tips and Advice for Your Second-Grader
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