State Test Scores Plunge

Written by Pam Robinson.

As expected, state test scores released Wednesday showed a large decline in the number of students deemed proficient in math and English. 

But local and state education officials cited the use of new Common Core Standards for the tests that raised the raised and with little time to prepare for those new expectations.

Statewide, just 31 percent of students met or exceeded proficiency standards on tests taken in April by students in third to eighth grades. Last year, 55 percent of students were proficient in English and 65 percent were in math.

State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. emphasized that the results do not reflect a decrease in performance for schools or students. The new assessments are a better, more accurate tool for educators, students, and parents as they work together to address the rigorous demands of the Common Core and college and career readiness in the 21st century.

"These proficiency scores do not reflect a drop in performance, but rather a raising of standards to reflect college and career readiness in the 21st century," King said. "I understand these scores are sobering for parents, teachers, and principals. It's frustrating to see our children struggle. But we can't allow ourselves to be paralyzed by frustration; we must be energized by this opportunity. The results we've announced today are not a critique of past efforts; they're a new starting point on a roadmap to future success."

On Tuesday, anticipating the release of the weaker scores, State Sen. Carl Marcellino, R-Syosset, wrote, "The other states will begin testing Common Core principles in 2014. Perhaps this fact alone demonstrates that the NYS Education Department (NYSED)  may have moved too quickly."

The state education department said:

• 31.1% of grade 3-8 students across the state met or exceeded the ELA proficiency standard; 31% met or exceeded the math proficiency standard
• The ELA proficiency results for race/ethnicity groups across grades 3-8 reveal the persistence of the achievement gap: only 16.1% of African-American students and 17.7% of Hispanic students met or exceeded the proficiency standard
• 3.2% of English Language Learners (ELLs) in grades 3-8 met or exceeded the ELA proficiency standard; 9.8% of ELLs met or exceeded the math proficiency standard
• 5% of students with disabilities met or exceeded the ELA proficiency standard; 7% of students with disabilities met or exceeded the math proficiency standard

King noted that the scores will not negatively impact district, school, principal, or teacher accountability. 

Northport-East Northport School and Elwood District test scores can be viewed here.