USD 323 Achieves the Standard of Excellence on 22 out of 22 State Math and Reading Tests!
by Darrel Stufflebeam
October 25, 2008
The Kansas State Department of Education recently released the school district report cards, which primarily disclose last spring’s state assessment scores. You can view our report from this web site by clicking on the “District Information” tab on the front page. To say that USD 323 is doing well and better overall than the rest of the state would be an understatement.
As you’re probably aware, all students in grades 3-8 and one high school grade must take an annual reading and math test. The state test results have five categories. Each grade level, school, and district must reach Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) by continually improving their scores until 100% of students score in the top three testing categories. Also, some grade levels take other subject area tests (i.e. social studies, science, writing) every other year.
In addition to making AYP, grade levels and schools can achieve the Standard of Excellence if they have enough students score in the top categories and very few score in the low categories. Obviously, it is very difficult to achieve the Standard of Excellence. Having said that, it will impress our patrons to know that, out of the 22 math and reading tests we took district-wide, our school district achieved the Standard of Excellence on every test. That’s right, 22 out of 22 Standards of Excellence! That is a truly remarkable achievement. Obviously, each school building achieved the Standard of Excellence for reading and math as well. Here are some other notable accomplishments:
• Nearly 100% of all district students achieved AYP in both math and reading. The average AYP percentage for the state of Kansas is 84% in reading and 81% in math
• On average, 45% of our students scored in the top category of “Exemplary” on their math tests. The state average was 27%
• On average, 44% of our students scored in the top category of “Exemplary” on their reading tests. The state average was 30%.
• The science tests are given in grades 4, 7, and 11. 100% of our 4th graders made AYP and each elementary school achieved the Standard of Excellence. 91% of secondary students made AYP compared with the state average of 83%.
• The social studies tests are given in grades 5, 8, and 11. 97% of our students achieved AYP compared with the state average of 83%.
State assessment scores are important and, obviously, we’re very proud of our faculty,staff, principals and students. We also appreciate the forward-thinking, supportive leadership of our school board. Please bear in mind, however, that state assessments are just one small part of what we do to make sure our students receive the best education possible.
Also, don’t forget about the Open House for the new SGES on November 18th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served and student guides will be stationed throughout the building to explain the various special features.
