Wake Schools' Test Scores Increase at Every Grade Level
July 14, 1999Test results for third- through eighth-grade students in the Wake County Public School System taking the N.C. End Of Grade (EOG) tests for 1998-99 are the highest ever achieved locally, according to Dr. Jim Surratt, superintendent. He and other school leaders released the scores this morning at a news briefing.
More than 80 percent of Wake County students performed at or above grade level in reading in all grades tested. In math, the results were even higher for grades 4 through 8, where 84 percent of students scored at or above grade level, achieving level III or IV on a four-point scale. Although third-grade scores improved, they did not quite reach the high level of grades 4-8.
EOG test results are key to calculating each local school's overall performance in The ABCs of Public Education, a statewide school accountability program. Those results are expected to be released in August. EOG results are also the measure tied to the Wake County Board of Education's goal of raising student achievement to 95 percent at grade level by 2003.
Dr. Surratt told reporters he's extremely pleased that test scores have reached their highest level ever. In addition, he said he's encouraged that these latest results are another example of a consistent upward trend over time. "Anytime you have the best test scores ever, it's obviously cause to celebrate," said the superintendent. "We need to do that by acknowledging where the credit belongs - at the classroom level and with the individual teachers, principals, and the students. I challenge any comparable school district to produce results like these. Wake's academic performance is certainly among the best in the country."
In EOG reading, for example, the district has gained nearly 16 percentage points since 1994; in math, a 12-percentage-point gain, when comparing the same group or "cohort" of students. In 1994, 71.4 percent of third graders scored at or above grade level in reading. As fourth graders in 1995, there were 75.2 percent at grade level, then as fifth graders in 1996, 77.7 percent; as sixth graders in 1997, 77.8 percent; as seventh graders in 1998, 80.5 percent. Finally, as eighth graders this past school year, 1999, 87.1 percent scored at or above grade level in reading.
Comparing results to the previous year showed some increase at every grade in both reading and math:
Reading - Third-grade reading went from 79.3 in 1998 to 80.4 percent at or above grade level in 1999; fourth-grade, 80.3 up to 80.8; fifth-grade, 84.3 up to 84.8; sixth-grade, 78.8 up to 80.7; seventh-grade, 80.5 up to 84.9; and eighth-grade, 86.4 up to 87.1 percent.
Math - Third-grade math went from 75.4 in 1998 to 77.1 percent at or above grade level in 1999; fourth-grade: 84.1 up to 88.1; fifth-grade, 84.0 up to 87.0; sixth-grade, 82.7 up to 84.8; seventh-grade, 83.7 up to 87.3; and eighth-grade, 83.2 up to 83.8 percent.
Bill McNeal, associate superintendent for instructional services, said that continuing high percentage point increases year after year becomes more and more difficult the higher that achievement reaches. "In terms of reaching the board goal of 95 percent of students at grade level, we can do it, but it's going to take a synergistic effort. Making the leap from 70 percent to 85 percent at grade level is a 15-point gain, but that's an easier 15 percentage points than, say, from 80 percent to 95 percent."
The challenge becomes two-fold: first, maintaining those high numbers of students performing at grade level, making sure no one slips, then second, finding the right strategies to reach the students who still aren't at grade level. "We're optimistic," said Mr. McNeal, "that with our continued push, dedication of staff, and with the community's support and involvement, that we can do it. I just want everyone to understand how tough a standard the board and the community have set."
Dr. Karen Banks, assistant superintendent for evaluation and research, explained that the state's EOG tests are designed to measure student achievement of the knowledge and skills of the N.C. Standard Course of Study. The multiple-choice tests are required in reading and math and are optional in social students and science.
The following are the EOG achievement levels and what they mean:
- Level 1 - The student does not have sufficient mastery of knowledge and skills to be successful at the next grade level;
- Level 2 - The student demonstrates inconsistent mastery of knowledge and skills in this subject area, and is minimally prepared to be successful at the next grade level;
- Level 3 -The student consistently demonstrates mastery of grade-level subject matter and skills and is well prepared for the next grade level;
- Level 4 - The student consistently performs in a superior manner clearly beyond that required to be proficient at grade-level work.
You can get school-by-school EOG results by visiting the 1999 EOG Test Results page or by contacting the school's principal. Questions also may be directed to Stella Shelton, director of communications, 850-1908; Bill McNeal, 850-1796; or Karen Banks, 850-1863.