State Assessment Results Show Continued Growth by Kansas Students
TOPEKA—October 13, 2009—Results released today from the 2009 Kansas Statewide Assessments show continued growth in reading, mathematics, science and writing for all students.
When compared with the 2000–2008 results, the reading and mathematics scores reflect a continuing upward trend with over 99 percent participation in both. “The steady and continuous progression towards higher achievement of our students across all grade levels in Kansas is outstanding even as the targets continue to rise every year,” said Dr. Alexa Posny, Kansas Commissioner of Education. She continued, “I attribute these outstanding results to the sustained focus of educators, administrators, and boards of education across Kansas.”
These trends also show that the gap among students is gradually closing.
According to Dr. Posny, “The achievement gaps among various groups of Kansas students in both reading and mathematics are gradually closing. Students and educators are working tirelessly to ensure that all children achieve to high levels.” She continued, “Participation rates on all assessments in Kansas are above ninety-nine percent for all students. This indicates that the stakeholders in Kansas take the assessments very seriously and make sure that all students are counted.”
Writing is tested bi-yearly in grades 5, 8, and high school. Science is assessed every year in grades 4, 7, and high school.
More information regarding the 2009 Kansas Report Card is available at www.ksde.org on the left side of the homepage under “Data/Report Card. State, district and individual schools information is available.
Kansas awards the Standard of Excellence at grade levels and building-wide. To receive a Standard of Excellence in reading for grades 3-6, at least 25% of students must be in the Exemplary category on the state assessment, with not more than 5% of students in Academic Warning. For grades 7-8, 20% of students must score in the Exemplary category, with not more than 10% of students in Academic Warning. For high schools, at least 15% of students must be in the Exemplary category, with not more than 10% of students in Academic Warning.
To receive a Standard of Excellence at the grade or building level in reading, the building must make AYP in the “All Students” group. Additionally, the following are expected percentage values for a school of excellence in reading.
· Grades 3-6, 60% of students classified as Exceeds Standard or above; 80% as Meets Standard and above; and 95% as Approaches Standard and above.
· Grades 7-8, 55% of students classified as Exceeds Standard and above; 75% as Meets Standard and above; and 90% classified as Approaches Standard and above.
· High school, 50% of students classified as Exceeds Standard and above; 70% as Meets Standard and above; and 90% classified as Approaches Standard and above.
To receive a Standard of Excellence in mathematics for grades 3-6, at least 25% of students must be in the Exemplary category on the state assessment, with not more than 5% of students in Academic Warning. For grades 7-8, 25% of students must score in the Exemplary category, with not more than 10% of students in Academic Warning. For high schools, at least 15% of students must be in the Exemplary category, with not more than 15% of students in Academic Warning.
To receive a Standard of Excellence at the grade or building level in mathematics, the building must make AYP in the “All Students” group. Additionally, the following are expected percentage values for a school of excellence in mathematics.
· Grades 3-6, 60% of students classified as Exceeds Standard or above; 80% as Meets Standard and above; and 95% as Approaches Standard and above.
· Grades 7-8, 60% of students classified as Exceeds Standard and above; 80% as Meets Standard and above; and 90% classified as Approaches Standard and above.
· High school, 40% of students classified as Exceeds Standard and above; 70% as Meets Standard and above; and 85% classified as Approaches Standard and above.
Similar formulas are used to calculate the Standard of Excellence for science and writing awards.
This year saw an increase in the number of awards for reading, mathematics and science. There were 3,717 Standard of Excellence certificates awarded in reading; 3,043 in mathematics, 576 in science; and 614 in writing.
A link to the list of grades/schools receiving a Standard of Excellence will be posted on the Kansas State Department of Education’s website (www.ksde.org) on the left side of the homepage.