Friday, September 17, 1999
New test results compare to previous years'
BY ANDREA TORTORA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Changes to Kentucky's education testing and accountability system mean that scores released Thursday cannot be compared to results from previous years.
That's because the new Kentucky Core Content test can't be scored in the same way.
The new test limits the space students have to answer open response questions. Multiple choice questions are included for the first time. And fewer entries are required in student's writing portfolios.
Despite differences between the new test and the old KIRIS exams, state officials said they would expect similar levels of achievements within subject areas on both tests.
That seems to be true.
Under KIRIS, one in three elementary students met the state's goals in reading. That number was slightly lower at 32.29 percent on the new test.
Scores are based on a scale of 0 to 140 with the state standard set at 100.
In the middle schools, 31 percent met standards in math under KIRIS. On the new test 33.24 percent hit the state goal.
At the high school level, 29 percent met standards in social studies under KIRIS. On the new test the proficiency rate was 29.6 percent.
State educators made several other observations about statewide student performance, by grade level.
Fourth and fifth graders:
• In reading, 3.8 percent remain in the novice category.
• In math, 10.4 percent met standards while 11.5 percent exceeded them.
Seventh and eighth graders:
• In reading, 13 percent of seventh graders met standards.
• In math, 18.9 percent met standards while 14.29 percent exceeded them.
Tenth, 11th and 12th graders:
• In math, 32.8 percent of students met or exceeded standards.
• In social studies, 30 percent of students met or exceeded standards.
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