State test results reflect newly adopted scoring procedures:
Districts around the state receive lower test scores for students taking English and math exams

July 29, 2010

Scores released on June 28 for this year’s 3-8 English and math exams showed a sharp decline in proficiency from recent years — not because student performance decreased but because the state has significantly changed its standards of proficiency.

State officials recently announced that they were increasing the scoring targets (or “cut scores”) on the exams after research showed that a large percentage of New York’s students were not adequately prepared for college. This announcement came months after the exams were completed this past spring. (previous watervlietcityschools.org article on this topic)   (NYS State Education Department information)

Under the state’s testing system these “cut scores” are used to classify students into one of four performance levels. Students at Level 1 are below standard; those at Level 2 meet the basic standard; pupils at Level 3 meet the proficiency standard; and those at Level 4 exceed the proficiency standard. SED has just raised the cut scores for Level 3, meaning students must achieve at higher levels than ever before in order to be considered proficient.

How does this affect Watervliet?

"Like most districts around the state, we’re expecting to see a drop in proficiency because of these new higher standards set by the state,” Watervliet Superintendent Dr. Paul Padalino said.

But he stressed that students aren’t learning less than they did in previous years. “It’s important that parents and students understand that student performance is not on the decline,” he added. “The bar has just been set higher.”

An initial assessment of student performance on the May 2010 tests, before factoring in the new cut scores, showed an increase in mean scores across the board. Within the next several days, the district will publish an analysis of all of the data. Padalino said district leaders will be reviewing this analysis of the testing data to identify problem areas and prepare for the coming school year.

Under current regulations, students who score at Level 2 or below are entitled to receive Academic Intervention Services (AIS). The district has a number of remedial services for students in need of academic support.

"As they always do, our teachers and staff members will work with the children and their families to identify the best course of action to support the success of all students. Any student who needs help will get it — that’s the way we have always done it here and that will continue,” said Padalino.

“The big picture doesn’t change with cut scores,” he concluded. “The Watervliet City School District remains true to our mission of inspiring, educating and challenging every student, every day.”