Local News - June 2003

Area schools see rise in ABC scores

Published June 2, 2003

By JEREMY ASHTON, LTN Staff Writer

Lincoln County Schools’ state test scores appear to be on the rise again.

The school district released the preliminary results of its 2002-03 ABC tests Thursday. The numbers will have to be confirmed by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, but the early scores have given school officials reason for excitement.

“Academically in this district, it was a very fine year, and I hope that people feel good about what the school system is doing,” said Elaine Jenkins, assistant superintendent of curriculum.

Based on the preliminary results, the district made gains on the reading and math end-of-grade tests in grades 3-8 for the 11th consecutive year.

According to Jenkins, the district saw one of its biggest gains ever in reading scores. Of the students who took the test, 84.9 percent were considered proficient at their grade level, an increase from 78.5 percent in 2001-02.

For the first time, it appears the district’s math scores on the EOGs exceeded the 90-percent mark, with 91.4 percent of students achieving at grade level or better. Last year, 85.7 percent of students reached proficiency.

The efforts of teachers and a more focused strategic planning process were two of the reasons scores rose, according to Jenkins, but she said “you can’t discount all the hard work students put into it.”

An average of 73.6 percent of high school students reached proficiency on their end-of-course tests. Just five years ago, the district’s average was 59.1 percent.

“For the EOCs to be up, I think that shows good planning and investment,” Jenkins said.

Of the 10 subjects high school students are tested on, the district appears to have made gains over 2001-02 in five: English 9, geometry, chemistry, physical science and U.S. history.

The other five subjects tested by the state, which showed decreases, are algebra I and II; biology; physics; and economic, legal and political systems.

Jenkins was perhaps most surprised about the results of the English test, which increased nearly 11 percentage points over 2001-02.

The state introduced a new, more analytical version of the exam this year. Jenkins credited Director of Secondary Education Vicky Ratchford with working with English teachers to develop a good pacing guide and benchmark tests to prepare students.

“We had a number of kids say, ‘We were ready. We were prepared,’” she said.

Jenkins was also pleased with the preliminary math scores. Geometry rose from 66.6 percent to 74.7, and algebra I and II remained at better than 80 percent despite slight drops.

Some of the decreases, Jenkins said, could be explained by natural statistical variation. School officials will wait for official results from DPI before deciding what areas in those subjects need to be addressed through the schools’ strategic planning process.

“We try to enjoy (these results) for a little while, and then we start looking at what we can do to improve,” Jenkins said.

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Staff Writer Jeremy Ashton can be reached at 704-735-3031 or jashton@ltnews.com.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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