The state test scores are in from spring for Stanley-Boyd.
Released to districts statewide earlier this year but then held to give time for review, state test scores paint a picture of district’s overall ability, different tests administered at set grade intervals. Elementary and middle school students take English Language Arts (ELA) and Math assessments, while high school students take the ACT.
“1.2, 2024 State Testing Results,” Board President Denise Hoffstatter announced from the agenda Monday, Oct. 27.
District Superintendent Jeff Koenig gave the run down on where the district currently stands.
“I shared this earlier via email,” he said. “As always I have for you our elementary ELA scores, our math scores, middle school ELA and math, and then the ACT.”
The scores as presented show Stanley-Boyd with 52.98 for the district average, scoring above the state average of 48.98.
ELA and math scores are down from last year, Stanley-Boyd currently scoring fifth highest for ELA as well as reading and second in math, or second overall for elementary schools in the area. The elementary ELA score is 56.6 while elementary math is 67.4, for an average of 62.
As for middle school, ELA scores are down slightly at 57.8 while math is up slighting at 60.7, for an average of 59.25. the average district ACT score at Stanley-Boyd is 18.9, above the state average of 19.2. The high score for the area was 20.5.
Potentially affecting the test results meanwhile was sample size, with not all schools testing everyone.
“We’re finding out that less schools test everyone like you’re supposed to,” Koenig said of ACT scores and state testing. Stanley-Boyd does, with the caveat that scores could be drawn down as only the first test is counted in state testing. Families are allowed to opt out if they choose, potentially raising test results of those schools where students that might not do well on the ACT are excluded. Stanley-Boyd tests everyone, with only the first score counting towards the state test results.
“We know that there were four kids that redid their ACT scores,” Koenig said. “Our score is based off the first test they take and its during our testing week. What’s happening with other schools is they’re actually saying ‘you should opt out, don’t take the test.’” The end result fit this is skewed statistical results, as those students who may not do well on the ACT or put their best effort in are excluded, raising the overall score. The ACT is viewed as a college readiness measure which the district in return is required to administer
“We currently don’t encourage families to opt out,” Koenig said of the ACT and district testing at Stanley-Boyd.