STMA Schools Reading, Math Score Exceed Statewide Averages

For 2013, STMA reading and math scores exceeded statewide averages “at all grades” on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA), according a release from STMA Schools.

STMA Schools had 65.2 percent of its students proficient in reading compared to the 57.8 percent statewide.

In math, 74.8 percent of the students in the district were considered proficient in  compared to the 62.6 percent statewide.

In reviewing the results, STMA Schools Superintendent James Behle noted two items, according to the press release:

• 2013 is the first year students took new tests based on more challenging reading standards. Minnesota adopted more rigorous standards to help ensure students are career and college ready upon high school graduation.  As a result, the percentage of students meeting the new standards was less than those meeting the prior standards although the percent of STMA students proficient in reading exceeded the statewide average at all grade levels.

• While statewide math scores dipped slightly, STMA math proficiency scores increased 7.4 points, bucking the statewide trend and achieving the highest percent proficient since Minnesota adopted the more rigorous math standards and assessments in 2011.

“Anytime a new test based on new standards is given, a drop in scores is to be expected,” a news release quoted Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. “But setting high expectations is the right thing to do. If we want our students to compete in a global economy, we must continue to stretch and hold ourselves accountable for helping students meet higher standards.”

“As teachers and students become more familiar with the new standards, and as teachers better align their teaching and curriculum to teach the standards, we know we will see growth in the test scores, as evidenced in the past by the new test in math two years ago,” Behle said. “More students are meeting the more rigorous math standards than in 2011 when the new assessment was introduced.” 

Administrators and teachers have begun to review the results and “will com up with plans to address any limitations in the educational program,” according to the STMA Schools press release. A report of the MCA results is expected to be presented at the Sept. 16 ISD 885 board meeting and posted on the district website following the meeting.

With test results in, the next step is for the Department of Education to release adequately yearly progress results and ratings on proficiency, student growth, closing the achievement gap and graduation rates. That should happen Oct. 1.

For updates and other information about the community, join us on Patch, like us on Facebook and follow St. Michael on Twitter.