2001-02 school year marks half-decade of student achievement gains

June 17, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dr. Bert L’Homme, Associate Superintendent Instructional Services, 560-3716 DURHAM--End-of-grade test scores in reading and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 surged forward in the 2001-02 school year for the fifth consecutive year, with a significant number of schools breezing by the 90-percent proficiency mark in specific grade levels and subjects. Two schools--Easley and Morehead Elementary Schools--surpassed the 95 percent mark of reading at or above grade level in the third and fifth grades, respectively. Four schools--Easley, Lakewood, Little River and Morehead Elementary--reported more than 95 percent proficiency in mathematics in at least one grade, with Lakewood and Morehead reaching 100 percent proficiency in fourth and fifth grades, respectively. Some additional highlights of the 2001-02 end-of-grade test scores results: Fourteen schools reached or surpassed the 90 percent proficiency mark in at least one subject and one grade, with Easley and Little River passing 90 percent in all but fourth-grade reading. Middle-school students posted increases in both subjects at every grade level, except sixth-grade reading. This year’s eighth-graders reading at or above grade level overtook the 80 percent mark for the first time (80.7 percent, fully 18 percentage points higher than they were as sixth-graders two years ago). The district’s average reading score for grades 3 through 8 is at its highest ever, with 73.5 percent of students reading at or above grade level districtwide. This is 2.1 percent higher than last year’s 71.4 percent. (The previous year’s improvement rate was 1.3 percentage points.) Math scores jumped by 2.1 percentage points, with 78.1 percent of third- through eighth-graders performing at or above grade level in mathematics in 2001-02, compared with 76 percent in 2000-01. Third-graders systemwide increased their proficiency level in reading by 3.9 percentage points, up to 73.6 percent reading at or above grade level, from last year’s 69.7 percent, for the highest overall rate for third-graders to date. Cohort population analysis continues to reveal great gains in student achievement. This year’s fifth-graders shattered the 80 percent proficiency mark by recording an 82.5 percent rate of performance at or above grade level in reading. This represents a 13 percent hike over the performance of the same class as fourth-graders last year (73 percent). This year’s fourth-graders posted a 16.7 percentage-point increase over last year’s performance as third-graders (86.1 percent, up from 69.4 in 2000-01). The test score data released by Durham Public Schools provide a first look at districtwide performance. A more detailed analysis of the data (e.g., by ethnicity and gender) will be released this summer. The state of North Carolina will utilize the data from these scores--along with the results of end-of-course test scores administered at the high school level--in developing its ABC accountability designations, which will be released later this year. "These unprecedented gains signify our commitment to ensuring that increased student achievement remains at the top of Durham Public Schools’ list of priorities. It is now more crucial than ever that we stay the course of success," said Superintendent Ann T. Denlinger. "We are so proud of the ongoing dedication among our teachers, principals, central services professionals, parents and community supporters in giving our students the highest quality of instruction possible. We look forward to continuing this trend as we move into the 2002-03 school year." ### Attached: Percentage of Students Grades 3-8 Performing At or Above Grade Level Elementary School Reading, Page 1 Elementary School Mathematics, Page 2 Middle School Reading, Mathematics, Page 3