Based on the results from the indicator data gathering during early 2014, there are many causes for the challenging indicators for the School Success Result.In a 2013 community forum, citizens raised concerns about students being groomed to take achievement tests rather than mastering basic skills.Students in focus groups (2013) reported that once their peers get behind in school or are failing, they lose the motivation to come to school, thus a “do not care” attitude is easily adopted.Reasons given by students for absences include boredom, stress relief, and lack of excitement in school.Students reported that some of their peers do not have supportive parents or other caring adults who motivate them to learn and to stay in school.Some students expressed dissatisfaction with disciplinary policies and a perceived practice of favoritism. In the key informant surveys, respondents believed the school was doing an adequate job of educating, but emphasized the need of support from the public for the school system and for student learning. Reasons given by the youth focus groups for the high dropout rate highlight the lack of opportunities available in the county, resulting in feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem.

Within the school domain, 2011 data showed challenging trends for kindergarten readiness among Hispanic, Special Ed, and FARMs preschoolers (66%, 51%, and 69%, respectively) compared to Caucasian preschoolers (85%) and all county preschoolers (71%).