The Pelham Board of Education heard Nov. 6 a report on student performance on state standardized, Regents, and advanced placement tests given last school year, discussing the drop in proficiency in the eighth-grade math exam and the results from the new fifth-grade science test.
Clair Comerford, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, told the board during its regular meeting the exam data informs how the district can better teach for growth, support student enrichment and monitor programs and systems. She acknowledged “the amazing work of the faculty, staff and administrators of Pelham. This data report is a testament to the thoughtful and intentional instruction and support that each of our student’s receive.”
Only 46 of 75 students enrolled in math 8 took the state standardized test, a 39% refusal rate, which is high for Pelham. Average test refusal rates run from 6% to 10%. Of those tested, 48% scored as proficient, falling from 63% the previous school year, according to the district’s data.
“While we’d always like to see strong proficiency levels in the New York State eighth grade assessment, we have to also examine this data with a critical eye and recognize the following variables should be considered when reviewing math 8 data,” Comerford said. “Students who don’t accelerate in math 8 have varying readiness levels and need of support.”
In eighth grade, students have the option of taking math 8 or accelerating with algebra 1, a high school-level course, and the majority of students chose the latter class. However, while proficiency on the math 8 test dropped by 15 percentage points from two years ago to last year, participation in the course only fell from 37% to 35%.
Board Vice President Natalie Marrero asked if there was the same opt-out rate for the English language arts exam, and the response was no.
The grade 5 science test, which was given by the state for the first time last year, produced lower results than the ELA and math exams administered in that grade, with only 59% of students receiving a level 3 score. In order to be considered proficient in the federally-mandated tests given in third through eighth grades, a student must obtain at least a level 3 (4 is the highest). Overall, 67% of fifth graders were proficient or better on the science test, double the state rate of 35%.
Comerford said one of the standout results last year was the earth science Regents: 136 students received grades of 85% to 100%.
Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ and Comerford both noted participation rates for many Regents were higher than in other districts because Pelham students want to take the tests even if they have already fulfilled their Regents requirements.
On advanced placement tests, 83% of students scored a 3, 4 or 5. The number of AP scholars—students who received at least a 3 on a minimum of three exams—increased from 54 students to 87.
