Fort Plain test results follow state trend  

    Fort Plain students generally held steady or slightly improved their English Language Arts (ELA) and math skills according to the results of the grades 3-8 math and English language arts (ELA) exams released Monday, Aug. 8 by the New York State Education Department (SED).

The results from the exams given in May 2011 follow the state trend with average scores on this year’s ELA exams slightly lower than last year’s and the average scores in math about the same as last year’s.

Among the bright spots, 59.6 percent of Fort Plain sixth graders scored proficient or higher in ELA as did 57.9 percent of eighth graders (in Montgomery County, 41.2 percent of eighth grade students scored proficient or higher.) In math, 73.1 percent of students in sixth grade score proficient or higher, as did 75.4 percent of students in eighth grade.

While some grades exceeded the state average, some grades fell below it.

Fort Plain Central School District Superintendent Douglas C. Burton said he knew some scores would be lower because the state raised the scoring bar and warns that this is not a measure of teacher ability.

“The reduction in scores is not due to teachers, but a combination of the changing proficiency level and a changing of the test format. I think it’s unfair to compare teacher preparation to the scores.” he said. “Still, we will analyze the areas where we think we need work and continue to prepare our students for next year’s tests.”

The New York State Education Department reported that 52.8 percent of grade 3-8 students across the state met or exceeded the ELA proficiency standard (a decrease of 0.4 percent from last year) and 63.3 percent met or exceeded the standard in math (up from 2.3 percent from last year).

Under the state’s testing system, students’ test scores place them into one of four performance levels: students at Level 1 are below standard; those at Level 2 meet the basic standard; pupils at Level 3 meet the proficiency standard; and those at Level 4 exceed the proficiency standard.

Last year, SED determined that the tests did not accurately measure student achievement and raised the scores students must earn in order to be considered “proficient” in a subject.

As a result, statewide ELA scores dropped from 77 percent of students met or exceeding standards in 2009 to 53.2 percent in 2010. Math scores fell from 86 percent proficient or better in 2009 to 61 percent in 2010.
In addition to these higher standards, this year’s students saw a new testing format that included more multiple-choice questions and at least one essay at every grade level.

In a press release, Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch said the test results underscore the urgent need for New York to continue to aggressively move forward with the implementation of the Regents' reform agenda.

“Through aggressive implementation at the district and school level of higher standards, better and more accurate assessments, a more content rich curriculum and a teacher evaluation system aimed at supporting teaching excellence, we can make tremendous strides towards ensuring all of our children succeed,” Tisch said.

To see a breakdown of the results, click here.