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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 12, 2007

 

For More Information Contact:

Jonathan Burman or Tom Dunn at (518) 474-1201

Internet:  http://www.nysed.gov

 

 

STATEWIDE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IMPROVES

ACROSS GRADES 3-8 ON 2007 MATH TESTS

 

            Achievement in grade 3-8 math has improved overall this year, according to State test results announced today by Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett and State Education Commissioner Richard Mills.

 

            The improvement is notable in middle school, from grades 5-8. This year, 73 percent of students across grades 3-8 achieved the math standards, compared to 66 percent last year.

 

            Fewer students also are showing serious academic problems in all grades.

 

            The achievement gap narrowed. Across grades 3-8, the number of black students achieving the standards increased from 46 percent last year to 55 percent this year. The number of Hispanic students achieving the standards increased from 52 percent last year to 61 percent this year. White students increased from 76 to 82 percent.

 

Results for students with disabilities also improved overall.

 

“We are focusing relentlessly on closing the achievement gap, so the news today is encouraging,” Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett said. “Students, parents, teachers, and school leaders deserve thanks and congratulations from all of New York. We cannot be satisfied, though, until we have raised achievement and closed the gap everywhere. We have to press on to make sure all children succeed.”

 

“This year’s improvement in every grade is something to celebrate,” State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said. “The fact that children are achieving higher standards in the middle grades is especially significant. Congratulations to everyone involved, especially the students. We asked successful schools how they did it. School leaders tell us they start with high expectations for all children, and are keeping a constant focus on the curriculum, with extensive professional development for teachers and extra help for students.”


 

Students receive a specific scale score on the tests which falls into one of four levels:

 

·       Level 4 – Exceeds the learning standards

·       Level 3 – Meets the learning standards

·       Level 2 – Partially meets the learning standards or meets part of the learning standards

·       Level 1 – Shows serious academic problems.

 

A more detailed breakdown of results is attached in the powerpoint slides.

 

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