Many Idaho students still struggle in math

BOISE – Idaho students are still struggling in math, according to annual test scores released by the Idaho Department of Education.

Results show 61 percent of fourth-graders scored proficient or better on the state’s Direct Math Assessment, an annual statewide test administered in late fall. Only 46 percent of sixth-graders and 51 percent of eighth-graders attained scores of proficient or above.

Statewide, the number of fourth- and eighth-graders scoring proficient or better dropped from last year, when 68 percent of fourth-graders and 58 percent of eighth-graders were proficient. The number of proficient sixth-graders rose only slightly; last year it was 45 percent.

The scores were released Tuesday.

While fourth-, sixth- and eighth-graders were given math assessments, fifth-, seventh- and ninth-grade students were tested on writing proficiency and performed much better. More than 60 percent of fifth- and seventh-graders scored proficient or higher on the state’s Direct Writing Assessment. Nearly 75 percent of ninth-graders scored proficient or above.

During the 2007-2008 school year, teachers who developed the state’s Direct Math Assessment and Direct Writing Assessment tests recommended the state change the scoring system to better identify students needing extra assistance.

This year’s tests were scored in a slightly different manner, which could account for some of the change, said Melissa McGrath, a spokeswoman for the state Education Department.

Idaho teachers are trained to score the tests; at least two teachers score each one. Some teachers have said the math and writing assessments provide little information that is useful.

“Unfortunately, these two assessments don’t provide much meaningful feedback for teachers or for students,” said Don Coberly, curriculum director for the Boise School District. “On the (math assessment) for example, students and teachers who receive scores have no idea what caused their individual or class performance to be rated at a particular level.”

Terry Lostrom, head of the math department at Riverglen Junior High School in northwest Boise, meets outside of school hours once a week with a committee working on the district’s eighth-grade math curriculum. He said improving math performance is complex.

“I really don’t have anything I can put my finger on that says, ‘If you do this, it will get better,’ ” Lostrom said.

McGrath acknowledged the math scores are low, but said the results reinforce the need for the state to do more work in math instruction.

The Legislature appropriated $3.9 million this year for a math program that Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna proposed to add teacher training, improve assessments and provide help for children struggling with math. The program will also provide extra help for students who are excellent at math.