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Reading and Math Gains

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal released results from the 2018-19 state tests on Tuesday, September 9. A total of 2860 Walla Walla Public Schools students completed the English language arts and math exams, and 1335 participated in the new Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science during the April and May state testing window last spring.

The tests administered included:
• Grades 3-8 and high school Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) tests in both English language arts (ELA) and math
• Grades 5, 8 and 11, Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)

While the percentage of students passing the state’s ELA and math tests continue to lag behind the state average, the district met the School Board’s annual growth targets in both subjects. All students, as well as students in special education, exceeded the district’s 2.5% annual growth targets, reversing what had been a declining trend prior to the district’s strategic plan implementation two years ago. While overall passing rates for ELA have remained relatively flat over the last four years, math scores continue to improve at a faster rate than the state, revealing a 2.6% improvement from the year before. The district continues to outpace the state in science performance.

“We are in the process of analyzing the recently-released results, looking beyond the combined scores and reviewing grade-level and subgroup performance in an effort to close the performance and opportunity gap for all students,” said Christy Krutulis, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. “A comprehensive review of the data helps ensure we are meeting or exceeding the annual targets established in our five-year strategic plan.”

Over the past year, teachers have worked collaboratively to identify promise standards from kindergarten through high school in math and language arts. This extensive work demonstrates a commitment that district students will have the necessary skills each year to be successful as they progress through the school system. Krutulis says this strategy will deepen learning, eliminate gaps in skill development and support an aligned and coherent system for Walla Walla students and families.

“We are excited to introduce these promise standards to our students and their families as we work collectively to chart a path to graduation,” said Krutulis. “We will also continue to focus on increased offerings for pre-K students to provide the necessary support for kindergarten readiness.”

New high school math materials were adopted during the spring of 2019. This year the new K-5 math materials will be adopted to provide teachers access to rigorous standards-aligned materials in support of high levels of instruction.

For a complete look at all district state assessment information, visit the OSPI School Report Card

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