Math and reading assessment results are mixed

The Minnesota Department of Education released statewide assessment results today showing that students in grades 3 – 8 are making gains in reading and math. Commissioner of Education Brenda Cassellius said the increase in reading scores comes just two years after adoption of the more rigorous reading and math standards in 2007 and 2010.

Statewide students at all grade levels scored 62 percent proficient in math and 76 percent in reading. Charter schools state-wide showed 51 percent proficiency in math and 65 percent in reading.

Locally, Cook County Schools ISD166 had an overall proficiency rating in math of 40 percent and in reading of 75 percent.

Breaking down the numbers, Middle School students were 28 percent proficient in math and 68 percent proficient in reading. The 6th grade scored lowest with just 20 percent proficient in math and 60 percent in reading.

Senior High scores 91 percent proficient in reading at the 10th grade level and 44 percent proficient in math at the 11th grade level. Both were gains over the previous year.

At Sawtooth Elementary, 56 percent of the students were math proficient and 79 percent proficient in reading. The 5th graders did the best of the three grade levels with 61 percent proficient in math, 92 percent in reading.

Birch Grove Community School students were 71 percent proficient in math and 93 percent in reading. Third graders scored 100 percent in both tests.

Great Expectations students scored 65 percent proficient in math and 95 percent in reading. Fourth graders scored a high 73 percent in math proficiency and shared 100 percent proficiency in reading with grade 6 and 7.

Oshki Ogimaag Charter School administered tests in grades 4 and 5 in reading where 21 percent of the students were proficient

In the Lake Superior School District, overall students posted 56 percent proficiency in math and 71 percent in reading. At Minnehaha Elementary the proficiency scores in math were 73 percent and 86 percent in reading.

This year, 88 percent of students in grades 3-8 took their math MCA test online. Compared to paper tests, online assessments use adaptive technology that customizes tests based on a student’s answers.

A recently convened assessment task force is examining the state’s testing system and will be providing recommendations to the Minnesota Department of Education for better testing and accountability.