STAR scores on the rise
Local school leaders are pleased with the results of this year’s state standardized tests released Friday showing year-to-year improvements in almost all subjects.
Local improvements mirrored statewide climbs in the percentage of students, grades 2 to 11, who scored proficient or higher on the 2012 Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) test. Each April, students take the test to measure proficiency in English-language arts, math, history, science and various specified courses.
A greater rate of Silver Valley Unified School District students scored proficient or higher on all subjects across the board compared to 2011 scores — topping county averages.
“We’re very proud of the progress that we see in our district and we know that’s a direct result of the decisions our teachers are making hour-to-hour, day-to-day,” said Micheline Miglis, SVUSD assistant superintendent of education services.
Barstow Unified saw gains in all subjects but math — though lagged behind county and state averages in every category.
BUSD Director of Instructional Support Services Scott Godfrey said the district’s growth matched that of the state average, which also improved this year.
“I was pleased,” Godfrey said of the results. “I think the hard work that the principals and teachers and students are doing at the school sites are paying off.”
This marks the ninth year scores have improved among California students in math and English-language arts exams.
“In less than a decade, California has gone from having only one student in three score proficient to better than one student in two,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said in a prepared statement. “That’s nearly 900,000 more students reaching proficiency now than in 2003 — a remarkable achievement that represents real, sustained improvements in learning.”
While the STAR results show an increase in proficiency levels among all subgroups, a persistent achievement gap exists for African American, Latino, English-learner and low-income students, compared to their peers.
In San Bernardino County, 66 percent of white students scored proficient or higher on English-language arts, compared to 46 percent of Hispanic students and 43 percent of black students. In math, the gaps were less significant with 55 percent of white students scoring proficient or better, compared to 43 percent of Hispanic students and 35 percent of black students.
To view the STAR results, visit the California Department of Education website at star.cde.ca.gov/star2012.
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4123 or klucia@desertdispatch.com
