September 25, 2007
Karla Denny, Director, Communications and Recognition Programs, 785-296-4876
2007 NAEP results show score increases from 2005
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TOPEKA – The 2007 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results are being released today. Results of the NAEP exams are measured in two ways: (1) with an average scale score from 0 to 500, and (2) with achievement levels. NAEP uses three achievement levels, basic, proficient and advanced.
Nationally, reading scores were higher at grades 4 and 8 in 2007 compared to 2005. Eighteen states, including Kansas, showed a significant increase in reading results for students in grade 4. Of the 52 jurisdictions reporting 4th grade reading results, the average for Kansas was higher than 23 of the reporting jurisdictions and lower than 5. Kansas 4th grade groups which showed a statistically significant growth in 2007 include: Males, Females, White, and Black. Kansas 4th grade results were significantly higher than the national public school average.
The 2007 Kansas results in 8th grade reading were higher than 29 of the 52 participating jurisdictions and lower than that of only 5. Nationally in mathematics, scores in grades 4 and 8 were higher in 2007 than in 2005, and although the gap nationally between White students and Black students in grade 4 remained the same, the gap nationally between Black students and White students decreased in grade 8.
The 2007 Kansas average score in mathematics was not significantly different from that of 2005. Kansas, however, did rank among the top states in the nation in grade 4 mathematics with only one state (Massachusetts) possessing significantly higher results. There were no statistically significant changes in the gaps from 2005 and 2003 in Kansas. However, Kansas 4th graders scored significantly higher than most public schools in the nation.
Kansas also ranked among the top states in the nation in eighth grade mathematics. As in grade 4, only one state (Massachusetts) had a significantly higher math result in grade 8 than that of Kansas. Kansas grade 8 students significantly outscored students in 43 jurisdictions, with seven jurisdictions not significantly different from Kansas. The percentage of grade 8 Kansas students scoring at or above the NAEP Proficient level was significantly greater than in 2005. Similarly, the percentage of Kansas grade 8 students scoring at or above the NAEP Basic level was significantly greater than in 2005.
“It is evident after reviewing the results of the NAEP tests that Kansas students continue to rank at the top when compared to their counterparts across the nation. Our students score well on the ACT and SAT as well as the NAEP tests,” said Commissioner Alexa Posny.
She continued, “The teachers and the students in Kansas are focused on achievement and these and other tests confirm this commitment to excellence. While we need to continue to address the gaps among various subgroups of students, we can be encouraged by the progress being made.”
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