Science NECAP scores

The state released the results of the science NECAP scores that were administered to last year’s juniors. The results for grades 4, 8, & 11 can be found at: http://www.ride.ri.gov/assessment/DOCS/NECAP/Science/RI_NECAP_Science_Results_for_Students_in_Grades_4_8_11_May_2008_vs_May_2009_Testing.pdf

Rhode Island lags behind New Hampshire and Vermont regarding student performance on the NECAP. Students in those two states are administered the same assessments as Rhode Island students in the fall (math, reading & writing) and the spring (science). The good news for SKHS is that we continue to make progress in moving kids from being nearly proficient to proficient. We saw an 8.2% increase for a total of 43.9% students achieving proficiency. That number represents the fourth highest proficiency rate in the state (Barrington is first with 55.7% of their students attaining proficiency). We expect the number of proficient students to continue to rise. I am concerned that the number of students who “achieved” a 1 on the test remained stable. While we are moving more kids from nearly proficient (2) to proficient (3), we are still struggling with moving approximately 15% of our students from the lowest score. We have observed a similar patter in our math NECAP scores. Through the collaborative structures we have developed for teachers and professional development facilitated by Assistant Superintendent, Mary Kelley and Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Judy Saccardo, our expectation is that our increases in the future will ripple throughout our entire student population. That being said, we are headed in the right direction; in large part due to the work of our outstanding science department and the focus and effort of our wonderful students!