High School test scores trump state averages

High School test scores trump state averages
Lincoln High School test scores soar

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools received results from the Spring 2013 state testing cycle Monday, August 26 from State Superintendent Randy Dorn during his annual news conference.

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 mathematics and biology End-of-Course (EOC) exams. The district also received on-time graduation rates for the Class of 2012, and extended (five-year) graduation rates for the class of 2011.

Walla Walla Public Schools high school Reading, Writing, Algebra and Biology scores were above state averages. District High School Reading scores were 84% (83.5% state), Writing 88.4% (84.9% state), Algebra 82.8% (80.7% state), and Biology 85.9% (81.7% state).

The Class of 2013 was the first to be required to meet standard on either an Algebra or Geometry test in order to graduate. Seniors were allowed to submit a Collection of Evidence in the area of math to demonstrate proficiency if they had not yet passed one of the end of course exams. Across the state, about 78% of students submitting Collections of Evidence met standard. In Walla Walla, 100% of students passed.

“Walla Walla Public Schools continues to focus on providing supports for all students who need them using Response to Intervention, as well as initiatives like AVID and GEAR UP,” said Maria Garcia, District Assessment Coordinator. “We have very hard working students and teachers who have a lot to be proud of.”

Lincoln High School witnessed significant growth over last year’s scores in all tested areas. Lincoln High School, with its new high-tech science lab and curriculum, improved the pass rate for Biology from 21.2% (2012) to almost 57% (2013). Reading improved from 64.7% (2012) to 80.9% (2013), Writing 65.6% (2012) to 89.4% (2013) and Algebra from 24.7% (2012) to 51.7% (2013). Many Lincoln High School students exceeded standard in Reading and Writing, according to Assessment Coordinator Maria Garcia.

Walla Walla graduation rates, both on-time and extended, continue to be above the state average. In Walla Walla, 78.3% of the Class of 2012 completed all graduation requirements within four years, as compared to the state average of 77.2%. For the Class of 2011, 85.1% of WWPS students completed graduation requirements in five years, compared to the state average of 78.9.

“The hard work is paying off and we see the results continually improving as students move through our school system,” said Superintendent Mick Miller. “This reflects Walla Walla Public Schools commitment to providing students with whatever it takes to get to graduation.”

MSP Writing:
District writing scores at the elementary and middle school levels are slightly lower than last year’s scores. When compared to the state, 4th and 7th grade writing scores are below state average.

MSP Reading:
District reading scores are up or held steady in all but 5th and 8th grades, which were down somewhat from the prior year. Reading in grades 3-8 across the district was lower than the state average.

MSP Math:
Math scores in grades 4 and 7 increased over 2012, with 7th grade jumping almost 10 percentage points. However, results in all grade levels remain below state averages.

MSP Science:
Science is tested in 5th and 8th. Results for 5th and 8th grade represented slight drops for the district over the prior year and are below state averages.

For a complete listing of district and state MSP scores, visit: reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us

“While MSP score averages for the district are not where we want them to be, there are bright spots and areas of significant student achievement growth when drilling down to the school level,” Garcia said. “Many of our students live in poverty or are learning English as their second language. This presents learning challenges for them and it may take them longer to meet state standards. But, by the time they get through high school they have developed the skills they need to be career and college ready.”