Math emphasis paying dividends with test scores

Math emphasis paying dividends with test scores
Spring 2011 test results show more students improving math achievement

WALLA WALLA, Tuesday, August 30 -- Walla Walla Public Schools received state testing results from the Spring 2011 testing cycle today from State Superintendent Randy Dorn during his annual news conference highlighting statewide test results.

District results were provided for the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) for students in grades 3-8, the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) for students 10-12 and the new mathematics End-of-Course (EOC) exams in algebra and geometry. Statewide and local on-time and extended graduation rates were also released.

A districtwide instructional emphasis on math the past two years is making a difference, according to District Assessment Coordinator Maria Garcia.

"The data is clear our students' math skills continue to improve," Garcia said. "The hard work of our teams of talented teachers and the dedication from students and their families, have resulted in greater numbers of Walla Walla Public Schools students showing proficiency on state math exams."

The new mathematics End-of-Course exams in algebra and geometry replaced the math High School Proficiency Exam and district results indicate Walla Walla students passed at a higher rate than the state average.

"The format of the new End-of-Course exam allows for a more accurate assessment of student learning," Garcia said. "In the past, students were tested at the end of 10th grade on content they had not seen since 9th grade or even middle school for some students."

Now students are assessed upon finishing either their algebra or geometry course when their skills are fresh, according to Garcia. "Walla Walla Public Schools End-of-Course exam results in math compare favorably to state averages, including a nearly perfect 100 percent pass rate for district middle school students taking algebra or geometry."

District high school graduation rates compare favorably to state rates as well. Walla Walla Public Schools' on-time graduation rate is 86.5 percent, increasing to 99.3 percent if a 5th year is necessary for students.

"Our extended graduation rate is actually higher than Mercer Island, Bellevue or Issaquah," Garcia said. "These school districts have a much lower percentage of poverty and students with English as a second language than Walla Walla Public Schools."

District writing scores at the elementary and middle school levels are slightly below the state average, while high school writing scores are above the state average -- including 91.1 percent at Walla Walla High School.

District reading scores are lagging behind the state average at most grade levels. Garcia says although our schools have made gains in reading, there is still work to do and our school improvement plans will reflect goals in this area.

The district's effort to support early learning through all day kindergarten, its preschool program and an intense focus on early literacy through the districts Response to Intervention model have resulted in greater numbers of students exiting kindergarten on grade levels in reading.

"In 2003, only 53 percent exited kindergarten at grade level in reading," Garcia said. "Last year this number jumped to 71 percent and we anticipate this number will continue to climb. As these students move through the grades and begin state testing, we should see the impact of these improved kindergarten outcomes through higher test scores in reading."

Science is tested in 5th, 8th and 10th grades across the state. In Walla Walla, elementary science test scores are at the state average, while middle and high school results exceed the state average. This spring 10th grade students will transition to Biology End-of-Course exams to meet the state science testing requirement.

Walla Walla Public Schools remains in Step Two of District Improvement in relation to Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements, which is based on achievement marks in reading and math for students in grades 3-10. Walla Walla Public Schools has developed a districtwide improvement plan per AYP mandates. State Superintendent Randy Dorn is challenging elected officials at the state and national level to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, better known as No Child Left Behind, to provide for a more accurate and fair assessment of school district achievement levels.

District 2011 Test Score Highlights:

Adequate Yearly Progress targets only tell part of the story

• As a district, WWPS met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in 44 of 67 cells (65.7%). The cells represent various subgroups (English Language Learner, ethnic groups, special education, low income) at each tested grade level. In order for a district to meet AYP, all subgroups must meet AYP in all tested areas. Only 36% of Washington schools met AYP targets.

• All six elementary schools, as well as Garrison and Walla Walla High School, met AYP math standards.

• Homelink, Lincoln and Alternative Education Program at Walla Walla Community College met AYP targets in reading. The uniform bar in reading jumped this year: Elementary: 76.1 to 88.1; Middle School: 65.1 to 82.5; High School: 74.3 to 87.2.

• As a district, overall high school writing and science scores are above the state average. Reading scores at two of Walla Wallas high school programs (WaHi and AEP) are also above the state average.

End-of-Course exams better reflect skill levels

• More than 99% of middle school students taking high school level math (algebra/geometry) passed the new End of Course assessments.

• With the new End of Course math assessments, Wa-Hi improved from a 44.3% pass rate on the HSPE math to 69.8% pass rate. This is not an "apples to apples" comparison, however, because of the change in test format.

District graduation rates among best in the state

• Walla Walla's on-time and extended graduation rates are comparable to large districts on the west-side of the state, despite much higher levels of poverty and ELL populations here. Lincoln High School's graduation rate has improved dramatically over the past three years: 2009-13.4%; 2010-51.3%; 2011-66.5%.

Three out of four Walla Walla students taking Advanced Placement Tests pass

• Walla Walla's overall pass rate for Advanced Placement (AP) tests is 76% (compared to 62% for the state of Washington, and 60% globally). Walla Walla offers 12 AP classes, and students passing AP exams in high school are automatically awarded college credits.

• 100% of students taking the Advanced Placement Physics exam passed.

District efforts to individualize learning has positive impact on skill development

• Through system-wide instructional initiatives such as Response to Intervention, GLAD and all-day kindergarten starting in 2005, WWPS has seen an improvement in kindergarten outcomes, despite an increase in poverty and students arriving in kindergarten less prepared. District leaders expect these improvements to continue to translate into positive outcomes for Walla Walla students as they move up the grades:

• Current 8th graders entered kindergarten in 2003 with 71% showing literacy readiness. By the time they left kindergarten, only 53% met important literacy targets. In contrast, 2010-2011 kindergarteners entered with 42% showing literacy readiness, but left with 71% meeting targets (an improvement of 29 percentage points). All Day Kindergarten is attributed to these gains.

For more information on the release of the state test results, contact Communications Director Mark Higgins.

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