Deming Elementary School Test Scores

As you may know, the State of Washington is engaged in a process of educational reform to prepare students for the world ahead. As part of that process, all elementary schools in the Mount Baker School District volunteered to administer the state's new fourth grade tests in writing, listening, and mathematics. The purpose of this article is to give information about how our fourth grade students did on the test and how we plan to use the information provided by the tests.

The tests themselves are quite different from tests many of us have seen in the past. The tests require students to apply their knowledge by writing descriptive essays, comparing information from different texts, using math skills to solve complex problems, and explaining the steps they took to arrive at an answer. Scores are based on a clear and challenging set of academic standards that describe what students should know and be able to do in core subjects by fourth grade. The tests were tough. They measured skills and knowledge we haven't often asked all fourth graders to demonstrate in the past.

As you will see in the chart, many students statewide, as well as here at Mount Baker, did not meet the standards.
Washington Assessment of Student Learning Grade 4, Spring, 1997 & 1998 Deming Elementary School Results Percentage achieving proficiency

	1997			1998
Subject	Deming Elementary	Mount Baker School District	Statewide	Deming Elementary	Mount Baker School District	Statewide
Reading	50.0%	46.4%	47.6%	59.2%	59.9%	55.6%
Writing	47.1%	38.1%	42.2%	44.7%	51.9%	36.7%
Mathematics	29.4%	26.0%	21.5%	43.4%	42.6%	31.2%
Listening	70.6%	65.2%	61.7%	65.8%	69.1%	71.3%

This first, initial test is a beginning point. It sets a baseline for us by clearly identifying the gaps between what students have been learning and what we want them to begin learning. It is up to the staff, students and parents to help our students get to these new levels of proficiency. In simple terms, we are saying, "Expect more, get more."

For those students who took last spring's test, we plan to meet with them and their parents to specifically identify areas of strength and weakness and to develop plans of action to help them reach the new standards. We are expecting more now, and students will need help in producing more.

For all teachers, students and parents, we will be examining our curriculum and teaching methods to be sure that the new standards are clear to everyone. Students, parents, and staff will also understand the kinds of learning activities that are necessary to achieve the standards.

The goal is to give students the knowledge and skills they'll need to live, learn, and work for the rest of their lives. Helping them meet new, tougher standards will take determination and time - but we can do it. If you have questions about the new standards or the new test, please contact Mr. Merz or the district office.

Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills

The Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) is a nationally normed standardized test that is given to all fourth graders in the State of Washington every fall. The national normed score is 50.

Subject	94/95 Scores	95/96 Scores	96/97 Scores	97/98 Scores
Deming	State	Deming	State	Deming	State	Deming	State
Reading	52	50	37	50	53	52	45	n/a
Language Arts	52	49	35	51	52	52	48	n/a
Math	41	47	33	49	50	52	46	n/a
Spelling	43	40	22	40	43	41	32	n/a
Science	56	54	35	56	58	58	51	n/a
Social Studies	61	54	32	54	57	56	47	n/a

Miscellaneous Student Data

Discipline

Suspensions	10
Expulsions	0

Attendance Average daily attendance = 94%

Class Size

Preschool	16
Grades K-2	23
Grades 3-6	23

Supplemental Programs

Chapter I/LAP	20%
English as 2nd Language	0.03%
Highly Capable	0.08%
Indian Education	0.08%
Special Education (includes preschool)	16%
Developmentally Delayed	0.02%
Free/reduced meals	59%

percentage of school population involved in special programs

Ethnicity

African America	1.1%
American Indian/ Alaskan Native	8.0%
Asian	1.3%
Caucasian	84.1%
Hispanic	5.6%

figures do not include preschool

Table of Contents

Washington Assessment of Student Learning