Writing scores down, analysis continues
June 12, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dr. Bert L’Homme, Associate Superintendent Instructional Services, 560-3716
DURHAM--Writing test scores for fourth- and seventh-graders in Durham Public Schools and across the state fell for the first time in several years in 2001-02. This reverses an upward trend that had been established in the late 1990s. State education officials are continuing to analyze the writing results to determine the reasons for this year’s drop, and Durham Public Schools officials will do the same. In Durham, the decrease follows a huge spike in fourth-grade scores that occurred last year, when scores increased by 34 percent over the previous year. The state had realized a 19 percent jump. Overall, 50 percent of Durham fourth-graders scored at grade level or above on the writing test, three percentage points above the state average of 47. Although 17 points lower than last year, the results are equal to Durham’s fourth-grade scores two years ago. Seventh-graders fell 17 percentage points as well. Grade level performance is considered a score of 2.5 or better on a 4-point scale. This is the final year that the state’s writing assessment will be scored holistically on a four-point scale. Next year, the state writing assessment will be scored using an analytical model that will give students credit for various elements of their response to the writing assignment. "These results run counter to all other preliminary student achievement indicators for the 2001-02 school year, which indicate significant progress," said Superintendent Ann T. Denlinger. "Our teachers, principals, students and parents have worked very diligently on writing skills this year. Therefore, we will work closely with state education officials and our colleagues across the state to seek answers regarding this year’s results."
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