Here’s the state Education Department release on standardized testing of public schools students on the ACT Aspire tests in the last school year. You
The release did not include national figures for comparison. But the release acknowledged that the average score did not improve at the
In the lower grades, 3-10, some scores were up, some held steady, some dropped.
Among the declines: The number meeting or exceeding grade level fell in grades 6, 9 and 10 on both reading and English. Scores in math dropped in grades 4, 5, 6 and 7. Science grades dropped in grades 4,5,6,7 and 10. In all, then, scores dropped in half of the categories of the eight grade levels tested in the four subject areas.
The news release cautions against comparing STEM scores because of scoring
Education Commissioner Johnny Key said, nonetheless:
“The results reflect educators’ commitment to teaching strong, rigorous education standards and the positive effects of the R.I.S.E. Arkansas and Computer Science initiatives. The results show we still have work to do to improve education in Arkansas, but I am confident that as we move toward implementation of Arkansas’ Every Student Succeeds Act plan this fall, we will lead the nation in student-focused education.”