Wake Students Continue High Level of Performance on State Testing
Superintendent McNeal points to high
school EOC scores, for the first time a part of Goal 2008. |
School-By-School Results
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June 24, 2004 - In the baseline year for Goal 2008, the percent of student scores remained steady for the state's End-of-Course high school testing and End-of-Grade elementary and middle school testing.
For the second year in a row, nearly 83 percent of Wake County high school students scored at Levels III or IV on the EOC and 91 percent of Wake County elementary and middle school students scored at Levels III or IV on the EOG.
Four years ago, 75.2 percent of Wake County high school students scored at Levels III or IV on the EOC and 84.9 percent of elementary and middle school students scored at Levels III or IV on the EOG
"I won't be satisfied until we reach our goal of 95 percent, but our track record shows the tremendous effort that has gone toward reaching this level of achievement. We are proud of the hard work of our students and educators," Superintendent Bill McNeal said. "We continue to challenge everyone in our school community to greater levels of success and will continue to seek ways to help each child succeed."
The 2008 Goal approved by the Wake County Board of Education in November 2003 states that by 2008, 95 percent of students in grades 3 through 12 will be at or above grade level as measured by the State of North Carolina End-of-Grade or Course tests, and all student groups will demonstrate high growth.
End-of-Course testing
A major change from Goal 2003 to 2008 was involving high schools
in the system-wide goal. Overall, students passed 82.7 percent
of their EOC exams, a four-tenths decrease from 83.1 percent
in 2003.
High school students' greatest strides on the EOC were in lab science courses. In Physical Science, 65.8 percent of Wake students scored at Levels III or IV this year compared with 61.5 percent last year. In Physics, 92.5 percent of students scored at Levels III or IV this year compared with 89.2 percent last year. In Chemistry, 88.7 percent of students scored at Levels III or IV this year compared with 85.5 percent last year.
At Sanderson High School, 76.2 percent of students scored at Levels III or IV on the state End of Course testing this year. Last year, 76.5 percent of students scored at Levels III or IV.
"Our staff is entirely dedicated to promoting student achievement, seeking to maintain and establish high standards in an environment where we teach all students," said Cathy Moore, Sanderson High School principal. "The faculty at Sanderson is tireless and dedicated. They are passionate about their subjects, their students and our school."
Sanderson teachers hold monthly meetings to discuss ways to improve instruction. They have an emphasis on improving student reading. Students who need assistance can attend after school tutorial sessions to strengthen study skills and focus sessions for review in specific classes.
In 1995-96 under the state ABC's of Public Education, EOC testing was required statewide for all students enrolled in Algebra I, English I, Biology, ELP, U.S. History and English II with testing in the remaining courses optional for local school districts. These six courses are graduation requirements, and tests in these courses were revised to place a stronger emphasis on higher order thinking skills. Beginning in 1998-99, all students statewide enrolled in five additional courses (Geometry, Algebra II, Chemistry, Physics and Physical Science), were also required to take EOC tests.
End-of-Grade testing
The number of Wake County students who scored at Level III
and IV on the End-of-Grade tests remained stable and close
to last year's record high: 91 percent this year and 91.3
last year.
In reading, the percentage of students who scored Levels III or IV dropped slightly to 89.9 this year from 90.4 last year. In math, the percentage of students who scored Levels III or IV dropped to 91.9 from 92.2 last year.
EOC and EOG tests are a key component to calculating each local school's overall performance in the ABCs of Public Education, the statewide school accountability program. Those results are expected to be released in September. 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.
 Superintendent McNeal congratulates Vandora Springs teachers on their schools EOG scores. |
Vandora Springs Elementary is one of several schools where students made tremendous strides. In reading, 92.2 percent of Vandora Springs students scored at Level III or IV this year compared with 85.1 last year. In math, 97.9 percent of Vandora Springs students scored at Level III or IV this year compared with 90.8 last year. Principal Troy Peuler said classroom teachers had worked hard and sought to meet the needs of each of their students. Peuler said classroom teachers coordinated closely with Accelerated Learning teachers, English as a Second Language teachers and parents on ways they could work together to strengthen each student's skills.
Fourteen elementary schools had more than 95 percent of their students score Levels III or IV on the math and reading tests. The schools include Adams, Apex, Baucom, Brassfield, Davis Drive, Dillard Drive, Green Hope, Kingswood, Lockhart, Morrisville, Oak Grove, Olive Chapel, Penny Road and Pleasant Union. Five middle schools had more than 95 percent of their students score Levels III or IV on the math and reading tests. The schools include Davis Drive, Heritage, Lufkin Road, West Cary and West Lake.
Testing levels defined
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.
The following are the EOC and EOG achievement levels and what they mean:
Level I - the student does not have sufficient mastery of knowledge and skills to be successful at the next grade or course level;
Level II - the student demonstrates inconsistent mastery of knowledge and skills in this subject area and is minimally prepared to be successful at the next grade or course level;
Level III - the student consistently demonstrates mastery of grade level subject matter and skills and is well prepared for the grade or course level;
Level IV - the student consistently performs in a superior manner clearly beyond that required to be proficient at the next level.
Banks said this year's testing results show the district is maintaining its focus on grades 3-8 while striving to meet new challenges of the high school component of Goal 2008.
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Wake students continue high level
of performance on state testing
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Vandora
Springs Students Excel On 2004 End Of Grade Testing
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Sanderson
students hold steady on 2004 End of Course testing
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