| Science scores above average |
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| Wednesday, 22 July 2009 | |
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Staff writer Anoka-Hennepin School District 11 students fared better than the state average on the latest MCA-II test results, those revealing students’ scientific knowledge. According to data compiled by Anoka-Hennepin staff, across the district, students averaged a 50 percent pass rate compared with a 46 percent pass rate average for the state. Pass rate includes students who tested at meets or exceeds standards needed for proficiency. “We’re very pleased with the scores and the progress our students made this year, although we know there is still a long way to go,” said Michelle Langenfeld, associate superintendent for K-12 education. “We continue to look for ways to improve scores and increase student proficiency.” In Anoka-Hennepin’s elementary schools, fifth- graders achieved a 47 percent pass rate, compared with 45 percent statewide, as reported by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Riverview Specialty School for Math and Environmental Science in Brooklyn Park chalked up the highest score this year, with nearly 63 percent of students proficient. Last year, Minnesota’s fifth-graders achieved a 39 percent pass rate on the Science MCA-II while Anoka-Hennepin’s fifth- graders came in with a 43 percent pass rate. While about 43 percent of the state’s eighth-graders were proficient this year, 52 percent of Anoka-Hennepin’s eighth-graders reached that mark. In 2008, only 39 percent of the state’s eighth-graders reached proficiency while 46 percent of Anoka-Hennepin eighth-graders were proficient. Sandburg Middle School in Anoka led the charge for Anoka-Hennepin middle schools, with 62 percent of students passing the test. “We are very proud of our students and thank them for the great effort they gave on the Science MCA. At Sandburg, we are on our way, but we have a ways to go,” said Jane Matheson, science chairperson at Sandburg. “We are concerned about those students who do not show any proficiency or partial proficiency on the state test. We also recognize that this test is a one-time snapshot of student performance and that we must continue to assess our students frequently to ensure they are grasping the key concepts,” Matheson said. High school test scores showed great improvement this year as well, with 51 percent passing the test, compared with 39 percent last year. The statewide high school average this year is about 50 percent. Andover High School had the highest pass average, with 63 percent of students passing. Scores for every ethnic subgroup of students in all grade levels tested (fifth, eighth and high school) showed improvement across the state. Minnesota Education Commissioner Alice Seagren praised Minnesota educators after reviewing the students’ results. “These results show that a strong focus on rigorous science education is paying off,” she said. “While there is much work to be done, Minnesota’s students and educators can be proud of this strong step forward.” This spring, across the state of Minnesota a total of about 181,600 students in grades five, eight and high school took the Science MCA-II. The Science MCA-II measures student performance on Minnesota’s Academic Standards. The science standards define what students should know and be able to do in a particular grade and are developed in partnership with Minnesota educators. Each student earns a score in one of four achievement levels: does not meet standards, partially meets standards, meets standards, or exceeds standards. Students who meet or exceed standards are labeled “proficient.” Currently, results from the science assessment do not currently impact Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The Science MCA-II is interactive and allows students to simulate experiments online. Over the last several years, according to MDE, the state has been working to improve science education to better prepare its students for a 21st century job market. This year, for example, educators, parents and community leaders put the finishing touches on new, more rigorous academic science standards, which will focus on college and career readiness. “Our curriculum focuses on integrating math and science into the curriculum in all areas,” said Riverview Principal Kari Rock. “We’re really excited about how well our students performed. It really shows that the students have learned about science and the inquiry process. Students who come here are very excited about learning about the outdoors, and that’s reflected in how they did on the assessment this year.” For more information on the science MCA-II test results, visit MDE’s Web site at education.state.mn.us. Sue Austreng is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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