FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release Date: August 21, 2009

Contact: Pete Smith Director of Communications, 601-359-1336

State test scores improve slightly, but more work to be done

Jackson, MS - The Mississippi Department of Education released the state assessment results today, giving parents an opportunity to review how well their child's school performed on more rigorous assessments for the second year. The Mississippi Curriculum Tests, Second Edition (MCT2), English II and Algebra I Subject Area Tests have all been revised. Students were assessed in Grades 5 and 8 Science, with new tests being implemented next year. The MCT2 was first implemented in 2007-08 to assess the state's more rigorous curriculum standards for language arts and mathematics. The revised curriculum standards are based on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and other national standards.

"This was the second year for our students to take the more rigorous assessment to match the curriculum and the results are in line with what we have expected," Interim State Superintendent of Education Dr. John W. Jordan said. ""There was some improvement in a few areas, but there is still much work to be done. By raising the expectations of our students and building on this foundation, I fully expect our test scores to continue to improve in future years."

For more than two years, students have been heavily engaged in a more rigorous curriculum set by the Mississippi Board of Education. The State Board has set a bold goal to reach the national average on national assessments by 2013.

"There were improvements in the performance of students in most grades and from one grade to the next for students taking the MCT2. At the high school level, there was little change in the performance of students," Dr. Kris Kaase, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction and Curriculum. "An encouraging sign, however, was the fourth and seventh grade writing assessments, which were administered for the first time in 2008-09 based on the more rigorous language arts curriculum standards. In grade four, 87 percent of students achieved a passing score; in grade seven, 91 percent of students achieved a passing score; and in English II (10th grade) 96 percent achieved a passing score," continued Kaase.

The test results will help determine the new labels for schools and districts using the new accountability ratings model. Under the old model, Schools were rated level one to five, with five being the highest. This year, a school will be labeled from highest to lowest: Star School, High Performing, Successful, Academic Watch, Low Performing, At-Risk of Failing and Failing. Districts were not rated last year while the new model was being developed. New labels for schools and districts will be determined and made available in the fall.

"It is very important to understand that these new, more rigorous tests are preparing our kids to become better prepared to compete for college and career opportunities," added Dr. Jordan.

To view test results, go to http://orshome.mde.k12.ms.us/ors/ and click on search for State, district or school data.