WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From New York State Education Department. (Edited) June 24, 2008: Achievement in grades 3-8 math and English has improved overall this year, according to State test results announced today by Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett and State Education Commissioner Richard Mills.

            This year, 81 percent of students across grades 3-8 achieved the math standards, compared to 73 percent last year, while 69 percent of students achieved the English standards, compared to 63 percent last year.

            Fewer students also are showing serious academic problems in grades 3-8 in both math and English. A more detailed breakdown of results as well as school by school results is available on the web at www.nysed.gov .

“These are impressive results for children at all points in our system. Closing the achievement gap is our constant target. The news today confirms that our reforms are striking closer,” Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett said. “We cannot rest until achievement is up everywhere and the gap is closed for all children in New York State.  We thank and congratulate all the children, parents, teachers and administrators who worked so hard and well to accomplish these encouraging results.”

“The schools delivered,” State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said. “Children in the gap are improving in math and English, and there are improvements in low need districts as well.  Successful schools applied effective methods: stronger curriculum, extra help for kids who needed it, continuous professional development to support teachers, and a clear message from leaders at every level – the children can learn these concepts.  These improvements encourage us to press on.  We haven’t yet raised achievement for all children to the level required.”

            The achievement gap narrowed in both Math and English. Across grades 3-8, the number of black students achieving the English standards increased from 45 percent last year to 53 percent this year.

            The number of Hispanic students achieving the English standards increased from 46 percent last year to 53 percent this year. White students increased from 76 to 79 percent.  In math across grades 3-8, the number of black students achieving the standards increased from 55 percent last year to 66 percent this year. The number of Hispanic students achieving the math standards increased from 61 percent last year to 71 percent this year.

Results for students with disabilities also improved overall, although they remain low, and there was a significant drop in the number of students showing serious academic difficulties in both English and math.

New York’s testing system, including the grade 3 through 8 tests passed a rigorous peer review last year conducted by the US Department of Education. In addition, distinguished national experts on the Technical Advisory Group meet regularly to challenge all aspects of New York’s assessment system. 

Students receive a specific scale score on the tests which falls into one of four levels:

·         Level 4 – Exceeds the learning standards

·         Level 3 – Meets the learning standards

·         Level 2 – Partially meets the learning standards or meets part of the learning standards

·         Level 1 – Shows serious academic problems.

A more detailed breakdown of results as well as school by school results is available on the web at www.nysed.gov .