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RIVERTOWNS, N.Y. - The results of the April 2013 grades 3-8 math and English language arts (ELA) assessments released Wednesday show a lower percentage of students achieving proficiency statewide compared to 2011-12.
Based on September 2012 curriculum, Westchester County school students outscored their peers statewide, but scores fell in local communities as well, according to the results released by State Education Commissioner John B. King.
Forty-one percent were at grade level in reading...and 40 percent at grade level in math.
King's statement accompanying the results noted that this year's assessments are the first for New York students to measure the Common Core Learning Standards that were adopted by the State Board of Regents in 2010 an emphasized that the results do not reflect a decrease in performance for schools or students.
Dobbs Ferry Schools Superintendent Lisa Brady said the results of the tests were expected due to the limited preparation time for the Common Core criteria.
"These scores are pretty much what we had been told to anticipate and thus expected," Brady said. "Clearly, schools in New York had little to no time to adequately prepare for the Common Core shifts that are being now measured as part of State assessments. This is clear in the communication sent by the Commissioner."
The new assessments are expected to provide a more accurate tool for educators, students, and parents as they work together to address the rigorous demands of the Common Core and college and career readiness.
"In Dobbs Ferry we are choosing to focus on the many positive outcomes that are possible with these changes," Brady said. "Our goals are related to supporting quality professional development for our teachers, creating exciting learning environments for our students and helping parents understand the proper role of assessment in providing feedback to teachers that enhances student learning."
Here is a summary of the statewide 3-8 results: • 31.1 percent of grade 3-8 students across the State met or exceeded the ELA proficiency standard; 31 percent met or exceeded the math proficiency standard. • The ELA proficiency results for race/ethnicity groups across grades 3-8 reveal the persistence of the achievement gap: only 16.1 percent of African-American students and 17.7 percent of Hispanic students met or exceeded the proficiency standard • 3.2 percent of English language learners (ELLs) in grades 3-8 met or exceeded the ELA proficiency standard; 9.8 percent of ELLs met or exceeded the math proficiency standard • 5 percent of students with disabilities met or exceeded the ELA proficiency standard; 7 percent of students with disabilities met or exceeded the math proficiency standard.
For a look at the complete results go to the state Education Department website here.
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