{"id":797,"date":"2015-10-27T11:41:17","date_gmt":"2015-10-27T15:41:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/?p=797"},"modified":"2015-10-27T11:41:17","modified_gmt":"2015-10-27T15:41:17","slug":"high-school-test-results-set-new-baseline-for-maryland-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/high-school-test-results-set-new-baseline-for-maryland-students\/","title":{"rendered":"High School Test Results Set New Baseline For Maryland Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

Initial PARCC Scores Released in Algebra I, Algebra II and English 10<\/em><\/h3>\n

For Immediate Release\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486<\/p>\n

Baltimore, MD<\/p>\n

The data released today for Maryland\u2019s new high school assessments set a new baseline that will help to determine if students are on track to graduate ready for college or careers. The data were presented to the Maryland State Board of Education.<\/p>\n

Nearly 40 percent of high school students taking the PARCC English 10 assessment last spring scored at a Level 4 and 5 combined \u2013 the two highest levels on the PARCC five-point score scale. More than 30 percent of high school students attained Level 4 and 5 combined in algebra I.\u00a0 For high school, achieving Level 4 or 5 indicates readiness for college and is intended to help students avoid the need to take additional coursework before taking credit-bearing courses beyond high school. The scores required to meet these thresholds were determined over the summer by Maryland educators and their peers around the country.<\/p>\n

Data files containing local schools\u2019 high school results will be made available by the Maryland State Department of Education on November 5.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe initial PARCC results represent a new starting line for Maryland students, teachers, and families as we strive to better prepare our students to get on track for success after graduation,\u201d said Interim State Superintendent of Schools Jack R. Smith.\u00a0 \u201cBut it is important to recognize that this data is only a snapshot; it\u2019s one additional measure to use when viewing the progress of our students, along with many other factors.\u00a0 This is a challenging assessment, and the data reflects that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also released today was the statewide data for Maryland\u2019s first-ever algebra II test.\u00a0 More than 20 percent of students scored at a Level 4 and 5, combined, on that test.<\/p>\n

Significant score differences exist between student subgroups:<\/p>\n

Algebra I<\/strong>: Overall, 31.2 percent of students scored at a level 4 and 5 combined; African American students, 12.8 percent scored at a level 4 and 5; Asian students, 62.4 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Hispanic students, 16.8 percent scored at a 4 and 5; White students, 45.2 percent scored at a 4 andr 5; and students of Two or More Races, 38.7 percent scored at a 4 and 5.\u00a0 Among students receiving special services, 5.9 percent of special education students scored at a level 4 and 5 combined; 6.5 percent of limited English proficient students scored at a 4 and 5; and 13.2 percent of students receiving free or reduced price meals (the federal proxy for poverty) scored at a 4 and 5.<\/p>\n

English 10:<\/strong> Overall, 39.7 percent of students scored at a level 4 and 5 combined; African American students, 25.2 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Asian students, 62.4 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Hispanic students, 27.5 percent scored at a 4 and 5; White students, 49.8 scored at 4 and 5; Two or More Races, 44.9 scored at a 4 and 5.\u00a0 Among students receiving special services, 7.1 percent of special education students scored a 4 and 5 combined; 2.3 percent of limited English proficient students scored a 4 and 5; and 22.7 of students receiving free or reduced price meals scored a 4 and 5.<\/p>\n

Algebra II:<\/strong> Overall, 20.2 percent of students scored at a level 4 and 5 combined; African American students, 5.7 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Asian students, 45.9 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Hispanic students, 11.4 percent scored at a 4 and 5; White students, 26.6 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Two or More Races, 25.2 percent scored at a 4 and 5.\u00a0 Among students receiving special services; 5.7 percent of special education students scored at a 4 and 5; 10.3 percent of limited English proficient students scored at a 4 and 5; and 6.7 percent of students receiving free or reduced price meals scored at a 4
\nand 5.<\/p>\n

Results from the PARCC assessments will not be used for student or educator accountability this year.\u00a0 In the coming months, the State Board will determine how the data will be used going forward.
\nPARCC Hits the Reset Button<\/strong><\/p>\n

PARCC results cannot be compared with the Maryland School Assessment (MSA), which the State used for a decade, both because this is a new test and a different test. PARCC is the first assessment aligned to Maryland\u2019s College and Career Ready Standards, which set a higher bar for student learning. The tests go beyond the old \u201cfill in the blank\u201d model of standardized tests by emphasizing the need for students to demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and clear writing.<\/p>\n

These tests also will show growth in student achievement over time.\u00a0 For example, parents and teachers will better be able to determine if students taking the math and reading assessments in third grade are progressing in their understanding of the subject matter when they reach fourth grade and beyond.<\/p>\n

The assessment uses a five-point score scale set by Maryland educators and others:<\/p>\n