Student test scores improve slightly
OLYMPIA -- Seniors in the class of 2013 passed the assessment requirements by an overwhelming majority and, overall, test scores continue to show a slight improvement, State Superintendent Randy Dorn said Monday.
His comments came as part of the official release of scores for the 2013 administration of the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) for grades three through eight, and High School Proficiency Exams (HSPEs) and End-of-Course (EOC) exams for students in high school level courses.
“There aren’t any dramatic changes from last year,” Dorn said. “But our scores are up on more tests than down. In particular, I congratulate the class of 2013 for their success in meeting a high bar on their exit exams.”
To be eligible to graduate, students in the Class of 2013 are required to pass a reading HSPE; a writing HSPE; and one math EOC, either in algebra I/integrated math I or geometry/integrated math II or state-approved alternatives. They are the first class in Washington state who are required to pass a math exam to graduate.
To date, the Class of 2013 has fulfilled each assessment requirement at the following rates:
More than 90 percent of 12th graders in the Class of 2013 have met all three requirements. “These passing rates are high,” Dorn said. “I’m proud of the work done by teachers, students and their families to reach these levels.”
While the success rate on the assessments is high, it’s important to note that some students have not fulfilled the other three graduation requirements, which include credits, a high school and beyond plan and culminating project. The final on-time graduation rate for the class of 2013 will be available in February 2014.
The class of 2014 is starting their senior year this fall. So far, they have the following pass rates:
Three out of four (77.1 percent) 11th graders in the class of 2014 have already met all three requirements.
The class of 2015 will enter 11th grade this fall. In addition to meeting standards on reading, writing and math tests, they are also required to meet standards in science by passing a biology EOC. So far, they have the following pass rates:
Fewer than 60 percent (58.9 percent) of 10th graders in the class of 2015 have already met all four requirements.
These rates will continue to rise as students retake exit exams or choose a state-approved alternative.
MSP
Reading and math are tested every year for grades three through eight.
Writing is tested in grades four and seven and science is tested in grades five and eight.
There is still concern over the achievement gap as well as new exams are being phased in over the next few years. Watch Q13 FOX News at 4 and 5 p.m. to learn more.