The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

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School science scores average

Published 11:28am Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Fergus Falls Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA-II) science scores indicate local students are hovering right around state averages.

Fergus Falls fifth grade test scores matched the state average, with 45 percent of students testing to either meet or exceed standards.

Fergus Falls test scores fell just behind the state average in eighth grade, with 41.8 percent of students testing at proficient levels, compared to 43 percent state-wide.

Fergus Falls high school scores were a high point, with 56.2 percent of students making the mark, compared to the state average of 50 percent.

While district leaders are pleased the district is keeping up with state averages, the overall goal is to rise above.

“In that sense you’re pleased that you’re at the state average and that there are no glaring things that aren’t in sync with the state,” said Fergus Falls Superintendent Jerry Ness. “But in the same sense, we expect excellence and we want to continue to improve scores and be well above state averages.”

Across the state, students in fifth grade, eighth grade and high school were administered the computerized test.

While the science scores of a district are not yet evaluated under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) standards, districts are using the data to pinpoint areas where improvements can be made.

Teachers in the Fergus Falls School District will include data in grade level meets, and will use information to formulate curriculum and hone in on troubled areas.

“They look at that data and what we need to do to improve and finalize goals,” Ness said.

In Battle Lake, fifth grade students tested well above state averages, with 65.9 percent of students meeting or exceeding standards. Scores fell behind in both eighth grade and the high school, with 38.7 percent of eighth grade students proving proficiency and 40 percent of high school students making the grade.

In Underwood, 32 percent of students tested at proficient levels in fifth grade. In eighth grade, 25.6 percent of students met or exceeded standards, with the majority of students — 60.5 percent — partially meeting standards. High school scores were at the top for Underwood, with 47.5 percent of students proving proficiency.