State’s students show gains in writing on NECAP tests

Springfield schools are improving, based upon Wednesday’s NECAP numbers.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20130207/NEWS01/702079897

MONTPELIER — Vermont’s elementary and middle-school students are showing improvement in their writing skills, but reading and math scores remain virtually unchanged, according to results from the New England Common Assessment Program released Wednesday. Proficiency in writing among middle-school pupils jumped seven points between fall 2011 and 2012, from 59 percent to 66 percent. Elementary pupils’ scores also showed improvement during the same period, rising five points, with 51 percent of them proficient. Writing proficiency among high school students dipped slightly, from 48 percent to 46 percent. On the mathematics side, 65 percent of pupils in grades three through eight were considered proficient, unchanged from the previous year. Among high school students, proficiency rose from 36 percent in 2011 to 38 percent in 2012. NECAP uses four categories to characterize students’ scores: proficient with distinction, proficient, partially proficient and substantially below proficient. For reporting purposes, proficiency scores will include a combined score of proficient and proficient with distinction. “While we only saw a slight increase in high school math scores, our educators are serious about improving our students’ understanding and passion for math,” said Secretary of Education Armando Vilaseca. “If Vermont’s students are going to be ready to continue their education beyond high school and be successful in the 21st century, they’re going to need stronger math skills and knowledge. A 2 percent increase is not enough.” Springfield schools are improving, based upon Wednesday’s NECAP numbers. Among middle school students, reading scores rose eight points to 76 percent and math scores rose three points to 45 percent. “We’re at the tipping point where we’re seeing some real improvements,” said Springfield Superintendent Frank Perotti, who is in the final months in his post. “It’s very gratifying to me as I finish my last year to see these improvements.” The high school saw across-the-board improvements, with reading proficiency jumping from 67 percent to 74 percent, tying the high school state average. Math results rose nine points, to 33 percent proficiency. Math proficiency also rose a full 10 points, to 45 percent, among students at Mill River Union High School, and rose five points to 38 percent at Hartford High School. Poultney High School saw declines in both reading and math. Reading proficiency dropped from 57 percent to 50 percent, while the number of students scoring proficient or better in math decreased eight points to 21 percent. Results for Rutland City Schools are a bit of a mixed bag. At the high school, reading results dropped four percentage points to 75 percent proficiency, but math proficiency rose three points, from 34 percent to 37 percent. The middle school experienced gains and losses but in different fields, with reading proficiency rising three points to 80 percent, but math results declined three points to 61 percent. Rutland Intermediate School saw declines in reading proficiency — from 64 percent to 62 percent — and math, from 60 to 57 percent. “The reading results were not what we hoped, and we’re trying to figure out what the issue is,” said Rutland City Schools Superintendent Mary Moran. “This was one test on one day and is one tool in our toolkit.” In Barre, Spaulding High School saw gains in reading proficiency — from 66 percent to 72 percent — and a four-point decrease in math proficiency to 34 percent. “We went up 6 percent and the state went up 2 percent, so we’re more than holding the line,” said Spaulding Assistant Principal Chris Hennessey of his school’s reading scores, while also noting his young math department and recent revamping of its curriculum. “We still have a bit of work to do there.” Other results by school, listing 2012 proficiency levels first and 2011 results second: Brattleboro — reading 73/78; math 40/39 Burr and Burton Academy, Manchester — reading 82/81; math 50/40 Montpelier High School — reading 83/85; math 62/57 Mount Anthony UHS, Bennington — reading 74/65; math 31/no data available Middlebury Senior UHS — reading 78/76; math 52/44 Otter Valley UHS, Brandon — reading 64/55; math 23/25 Green Mountain UHS, Chester — reading 74/73; math 31/39 Black River High School, Ludlow — reading 75/88; math 23/12 State’s students show gains in writing on NECAP tests By Josh O’Gorman Staff writer | February 07,2013 Rutland Herald