Alabama students made strong gains in science and improved in all three tested subjects in eighth grade, according to preliminary statewide test results presented Tuesday (July 14).
In science, the percentage of students reaching proficiency — Levels 3 and 4 on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program — increased in every grade tested last spring. Fourth-grade proficiency rose from 43% to 51%, sixth-grade proficiency increased from 35% to 41%, and eighth-grade proficiency jumped from 41% to 54%.
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The gains came during the first school year in which Alabama’s new science course of study was required statewide. Schools were also using newly adopted science textbooks, and the ACAP science test was changed to measure the new standards and included new cut scores — the scores that separate the test’s four achievement levels.
State Superintendent Eric Mackey called the results “surprising” because scores often fall at first when states roll out new standards and tests.
“Usually when we do new standard setting, we actually see it go backwards, and then you build again,” Mackey said.
Mackey said the results also push back against concerns that schools may be spending less time on science as they focus more heavily on reading. He said the assessment measures not only students’ knowledge of science facts, but also their ability to reason through scientific questions.
The results also showed strong growth among students reaching Level 4, the highest achievement level on the ACAP, particularly in science.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Trisha Powell Crain and originally published by Alabama Daily News.
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