Students’ Writing Tests Results Improve
June 5, 2008 - Results on the state writing tests show Wake County Public School System students continue to perform better than the state average and continue a three-year trend of improvement.2008 State Writing Test Results |
||
Grade |
WCPSS |
NC |
4 |
67.9 |
59.8 |
7 |
68.5 |
58.3 |
10 |
78.4 |
72.3 |
| Results reflect the percentage of students with proficient scores on the tests. | ||
Local analysis of the state writing test results show that 67.9 percent of WCPSS fourth graders scored proficient in writing in 2007-08, eight percentage points above the state average of 59.8 percent.
WCPSS had 68.5 percent of seventh graders score proficient in 2007-08, ten percentage points above the state average of 58.3 percent.
WCPSS had 78.4 percent of tenth graders score proficient in 2007-08, six percentage points above the state average of 72.3 percent.
Over the last three years, WCPSS fourth graders have improved scores by eight percentage points; seventh graders improved by nine percentage points; and tenth graders improved by 12 percentage points.
Local analysis of the state writing test results show an increase in the number of WCPSS students earning perfect scores of 20.
In 2008, 222 fourth graders, 57 seventh graders and 85 tenth graders earned perfect scores on the writing test. Thatcompares with 113 fourth graders, 12 seventh graders and 44 tenth graders who earned a 20 on the test in 2007.
The state writing test serves as an important indicator for local teachers and administrators to use in evaluating their students' learning and development.
Writing scores are used in a number of ways. They are included in calculating each school's performance rating under the state's ABCs of Public Education accountability system. The 10th grade assessment is included in federal Adequate Yearly Progress calculations in conjunction with each student's performance on the English I End-of-Course test.
For the tests, students are asked to respond in writing to a specific prompt. Students in grades four and seven receive 75 minutes in which to respond; students in 10th grade receive 100 minutes.
Students earned scores based on the content of their responses as well as on their use of correct sentence formation, usage, mechanics and spelling. Each student essay is scored by two independent readers. Students earn scores that range from a minimum of four and a maximum of 20. In order to be considered proficient, students must earn a score of 12 or above.
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