Improvement Seen In Standardized Test Scores
(A corrected graphic of the 1996 Northside test scores was published on page N8 of the February 6, 1997 edition of the North Side Voice)
A dramatic jump in Regal Elementary standardized test scores was a long time in coming, says principal Michael Crabtree.
The school reorganized preparation time, giving teachers, classroom aides and specialists at each grade level a half hour a week to coordinate.
The collaboration time improved instruction and allowed all educators spending time with kids a chance to compare notes.
“When we talk about our test scores improving, it’s not something I can share in three or four minutes; (because) it’s taken three or four years,” said Crabtree.
Math scores doubled, to the 48th percentile from the 23rd last year. The overall score rose to the 39th percentile, from the 23rd last year.
Other North Side schools posted large gains. Audubon Elementary’s total score more than doubled, and math scores hopped to the 55th percentile from the 24th last year. Indian Trail language scores bumped 15 points, to the 72nd percentile.
Fourth, eighth and eleventh grade students are tested each fall. The percentiles are based on Spokane students’ rank with the national average.
The scores reflect not only knowledge, but student demographics and preparation for the tests. Schools with large numbers of impoverished students tend to fare worse on the test.
“What’s really important is looking at individual kids and tracking their progress,” said Audubon principal Greg Baerlocher.
He hedged when asked for an explanation of the stellar student performance.
A committee of teachers and staff will analyze connections between test results and school curriculum, he said.
Reasons at Regal are more clear. In addition to the change in planning time, a summer school test preparation course was started.
About 25 of the school’s 75 fourth graders took the class, which included instruction in filling out bubble sheets, pacing and stress management.
“We assume kids have those skills,” said Crabtree. “Those skills need to be taught.”
Like others, Regal also sent a letter home informing each household of test dates and asking parents for help in preparing students.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: 1996 Northside test scores