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Eastern Carver County science proficiency scores exceed state averages Results of the MCA II science tests show Eastern Carver County students continue to outperform their Minnesota peers in proficiency on high state standards by 8-16 percent. The results, released August 15, show that at the elementary level, students exceed state proficiency averages by 18%. In middle school, students exceed state proficiency averages by 8% The state science tests are taken by students in grades 5, 8, and those in high school biology. The chart below shows the percentage of students at each level who scored as proficient or above on the state high standards.  *The high school percentage of 81.82% is based on the results of 11 students. Minnesota requires students to complete instruction in life science to be eligible to take the MCA Science test. This is a transition year in our high schools to Physics First. Students who traditionally would have taken biology took physics in 9th grade, chemistry in 10th grad and will take biology this year. The students will be eligible to test spring of 2012. Percentages of students scoring as proficient on the state science standards at each school: 
In addition, the elementary and middle level science curriculum continues its review cycle this year along with math. Elementary STEM initiative in Inspire! will begin the first stage of implementation this year. Middle school science initiated the curriculum review process in early 2011 -- with a goal of implementation in 2012 Teachers are focused on strengthening an already strong curriculum in order to prepare students for continued success in high school. Eastern Carver County Students Continue to Outperform Minnesota Peers in MCAII Tests Results of the Reading MCA II tests show Eastern Carver County students continue to outperform their Minnesota peers in proficiency on high state standards by 7-12 percent. The results, released September 14, show that at the elementary level, students exceed state proficiency averages by 7-10 percent. In secondary schools, middle school students exceed state proficiency averages by 10-12 percent while high school students exceed state proficiency by 13 percent. The chart below shows the percentage of students at each level who scored as proficient or above on state high standards.  Percentages of students scoring proficient on the state reading standards at each school by grade:  Students in grades 3-8 took the new, more rigorous Mathematics MCA-III which is aligned to higher standards designed to prepare all students to be career and college ready. This was the first administration of the MCA-III assessment that is aligned to 2007 Minnesota Mathematics Academic Standards and College-and Career-ready internationally benchmarked standards. It was also the first time students experienced the new online format. Eastern Carver County students performed above their peers in Minnesota at all grade levels. Students in grades three through eight exceed state proficiency averages by 2-17 percent. The chart below shows the percentage of students at each level who scored as proficient or above on state high standards.  Percentages of students scoring proficient on the state mathematics standards at each school by grade:  We are particularly pleased with the very strong new baseline for the Mathematics MCA-III established by our middle schools. Middle school students exceeded state proficiency by 12-17 percent. Nancy Thul, Secondary Curriculum Coordinator, credits "secondary redesign and the efforts of our secondary Mathematics and English teachers for their success." Thul also reflected on the significant increase over prior year performance in 6th grade Reading MCA-II and 10th grade Reading MCA-II at Chaska High. Eleventh grade students continue to take the Mathematics MCA-II test. Eastern Carver County Schools exceed state proficiency averages by 9 percent.  Percentages of students scoring proficient on the state mathematics standards at each school:  It is important to remember that the results of the MCAs are only one measure of achievement. Student growth is measured in multiple ways throughout a school year. Graduation-Required for Diploma (GRAD) Test Results The state requirements for earning a diploma are tested through the MCAs each year. Students must pass GRAD tests in reading and math that are embed with in the MCAs as well as the 9th grade writing assessment. The chart below shows the percentage of district students meeting the state requirements on the 2011 spring assessments.  Each school in the district is busy analyzing their MCA data and creating improvement plans to ensure curriculum is aligned to Minnesota Academic Standards and to prepare students for future assessments. "Students apply the knowledge and skills they learn every day in their daily lives and we need to be sure they also demonstrate that knowledge in required assessments," said Cathy Gallagher, Director of Teaching and Learning. | ||||||||||||||
