News Item
NY State Test Scores in ELA and Math Released: Changes in Scoring Create a Decline in Proficiency
July 2010
On July 28, the NY State Education
Department (NYSED) released the results of the 2010 English language
arts and math tests. Throughout the state, students scoring at Level
3/Proficiency plummeted due to the changes made in the grading or
“cut scores” needed to reach that level. For example, last year a
third-grade student needed a score of 650 to be considered
proficient in math, this year, a student needs to score 684.
Overall, this year's test scores were essentially the same as last
year. This shows that the drop in the number of students scoring at
the proficiency level was due to the raised standards and not a
decline in student or school performance.
NYSED raised the bar as a way to increase student achievement and
college readiness - citing research that the previous levels were
too low and that when students were tracked through their school
careers and into college, those who scored at the old proficiency
levels still needed remedial help in math and English during their
first year of college.
Monticello School District students had mixed results.
Administrators and teachers are working together to analyze the
areas of need and to adjust curriculum as necessary to increase
student learning, proficiency and success.
“This affirms our position that the programs we have implemented
which raise the standards of learning and position our students to
be college and work ready, such as the International Baccalaureate,
Project Lead the Way and College in the Classroom, are needed more
than ever,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel.
The district plans to continue raising the standards of its
educational programs so all students have greater opportunities and
options.
CLICK HERE for a chart of the new scores needed for proficiency.
CLICK HERE to view NYSED's report, "A New Standard for Proficiency: College Readiness."
CLICK HERE for NYSED's website which provides more information.
For coverage of this story in the Times Herald-Record, CLICK HERE.
For coverage of this story in the NY Times, CLICK HERE.
For coverage of this story in the Albany Times Union, CLICK HERE.
Many of the changes being made on the state level are a foreshadowing of the implementation of new, more stringent national standards. MORE