Though Albert Lea Schools showed a drop in performance from last year in the most recent round of the eighth-grade basic standards test, the results include some success stories and interesting facts, said Curriculum Director Judy Knudtson.

Tuesday, May 08, 2001

Though Albert Lea Schools showed a drop in performance from last year in the most recent round of the eighth-grade basic standards test, the results include some success stories and interesting facts, said Curriculum Director Judy Knudtson.

The results, released three weeks ago by the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning, showed a 72 percent passage rate in reading and 61 percent in math, falling below the state average of 79 and 72 percent respectively.

In a report to the school board Monday, Knudtson said one positive point reflected by the test results was an improvement in special education. On their first attempt at the test, 18 of 47 students with Individual Education Plans passed the reading test for a 38 percent passage rate.

&uot;That’s the highest rate we’ve ever had for special education students,&uot; Knudtson said. &uot;I think that’s an extremely promising development.&uot;

Other observations Knudtson stated in her report included:

n All of the eighth-graders at Southwest Junior High School,totaling 310 students, took the test. None were absent.

n The average score for all students in eighth grade was a passing score on both tests.

n In the reading test, 36 students missed the passing mark by either one or two questions. Had these students managed to pass, the overall passage rate would have increased to 85 percent, the highest ever for the district.

n The district is compiling demographic indicators to anticipate what students have the greatest likelihood of struggling in the future.

n Students who did not pass the tests will have another opportunity in July and can take district-sponsored classes to help them prepare.

Knudtson told the board that results from the basis standards test by themselves can be misleading.

&uot;There’s a human side to these tests that’s missing from simply looking at the scores. We had some real success stories this year,&uot; she said.