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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Washington students show test improvements

Washington students improved in all four areas measured on standardized tests last year, results released today by the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction show. This was the first year results were announced for new end-of-course exams for students in algebra and geometry. The results: 66 percent passed algebra 1 and 73 percent passed geometry. This year’s sophomores have to pass one of those tests to graduate. Freshman must pass both. Randy Dorn, state Superintendent of Public Instruction, said of this year’s test scores, “We have better alignment between the curriculum and the assessment.” In addition, the High School Proficiency Exam is shorter and is available online. Dorn added, “The math test isn’t easier, this test is just as rigorous.” Spokane Public Schools and Central Valley School District both surpassed state levels on the algebra and geometry tests. Meanwhile, Mead School District students were 11 percentage points below in algebra, but 10 percentage points above in geometry.