Calvert: Calvert County Elementary and Middle Scho

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This just in from the Calvert County Public School System...

Calvert County Elementary and Middle School Students Continue to Make Progress on Maryland School Assessments

The percentage of Calvert County elementary school students scoring proficient and advanced on the reading and mathematics Maryland School Assessments (MSAs) continues to rise. In 2012, the percent of elementary students scoring at least proficient on the statewide reading exam increased from 93.3 in 2011 to 94.6 in 2012. On the elementary school mathematics assessment, 93.5 percent scored proficient or above in 2012 compared to 93.2 percent in 2011.


At the middle school level, assessment results were mixed. Middle school reading scores decreased slightly from 92.9 percent proficient or above in 2011 to 89.1 percent in 2012. Middle school mathematics proficiency scores rose from 85.5 percent in 2011 to 88.8 percent in 2012.


Calvert County MSA results remain above the state average. In 2012, the Maryland MSA proficiency rates were as follows: elementary reading 88.2 percent, elementary mathematics 87.7 percent, middle school reading 82.1 percent, and middle school mathematics 76.2 percent.


Jack Smith, superintendent, said, “While it is important to keep in mind that test scores are only one measure of student success, I am pleased that our students perform so well on the reading and math MSAs. Our school scores are all extremely high – near or above 90%. As the Maryland State Department of Education noted last year, once a school reaches the 90 percent proficiency level, additional progress is difficult.” Dr. Smith continued by saying that “ Even though progress might be slow and, at times, inconsistent, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and be successful.”


Since Maryland was granted flexibility from the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, schools will now be measured against their own, unique progress targets, which are based on the school’s 2011 MSA scores. In other words, schools will no longer be required to meet statewide student achievement goals. Under this new accountability system, schools will receive credit for growth in overall school MSA scores as well as for each student racial and service group. In all, there are seven racial groups and three service groups, which include English language learners, students receiving special education services, and student receiving free or reduced meals.


According to a press release from the Maryland State Department of Education, “This year’s data begins a new baseline, and schools and systems will work to cut in half over the next six years the percentage of students not scoring at proficient levels on the exams. […] Schools and systems must work to hit improvement targets, known as annual measureable objectives (AMOs). AMOs will be calculated for the student population in each school as well as for special service and racial subgroups.”


Schools and school systems will no longer be required to meet Adequate Yearly Progress, which was the accountability measure under No Child Left Behind.


Later this summer, elementary and middle school MSA science scores, High School Assessment scores, and graduation and attendance rates will be released. In addition to the reading and mathematics MSA scores, these measures will be included in the new school progress indexes, which are an essential component of the state’s new accountability system.


State and county elementary and middle school MSA results can be found at the Maryland State Department of Education’s report card website at: www.mdreportcard.org.


A summary of Calvert County results is below.



http://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/info...ssessments.jpg


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Media Contact:

Gail Hoerauf-Bennett

410-535-7620



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