Gist: high school math grades too low

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island students showed some improvement in the latest round of standardized testing. However, state education officials said they are far from satisfied with the results.

Governor Donald Carcieri and state Education Commissioner Deborah Gist were on hand at Anthony Carnevale Elementary School in Providence Wednesday afternoon to reveal the latest results of the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP).

The school was selected because it made among the largest gains in both reading and mathematics. However, Gist said the improvement statewide was not enough.

"While there are some gains in our 2009 test scores, we're not anywhere close to where we need to be," Gist said.

• See the complete fall 2009 NECAP results

The testing program, which is in its fifth year, monitors Rhode Island student proficiency in reading, mathematics and writing. Students from third through eighth grade and high school juniors are all subject to the tests.

Overall, the results show students have made improvements. Statewide, reading scores jumped by two percent, with 70 percent of all students proficient or better. Math results improved by one percent, with 54 percent in the proficient range.

"We do see gains in reading and writing scores," said Gist. "Reading scores in elementary and middle school, however, are up only slightly."

Gist also pointed out a modest increase in graduation rates, which hit 75.5 percent, an increase of 1.6 percent from last year. However, that's far below the 2012 goal of 80 percent.

Perhaps the most alarming, according to Gist, were the math scores for high school juniors.

A total of 27 percent of students reached a proficient level and 45 percent scored so low they would be at risk of not graduating under the state's new diploma requirements, which take effect in two years.

"We clearly have to push them up faster. That's the challenge we have before us," said Carcieri.

Another concern, a continuing achievement gap.

"Our achievement gaps are persisting," said Gist. "Whether it's students with disabilities or England language learners, we have a 40 percent achievement gap between English language learners and others, and that gap has widened.

“All of us – students, teachers, parents, the entire community – will have to work together to transform education and to advance learning for all students,” she added.

Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire also take part in NECAP testing.

High school reading and writing scores in Rhode Island either matched or exceeded the other states in a comparison.