U.S. News - US 8th Grade Science Scores Up
Two-thirds of eighth-grade students performed at or above a “basic” achievement level on a national science assessment test, suggesting at least a “partial mastery of the knowledge and skills needed for proficient work,” according to The National Assessment of Educational Progress.
“We didn’t know what to expect with a test like this,” said Stephaan Harris, spokesman for the National Assessment Governing Board, the independent board that sets NAEP policy. “Overall, there was improvement and gains.”
The average eighth-grade score increased two points, from 150 in 2009 to 152 in 2011, according to the NAEP. The test is scored on a 300-point scale. The assessment was released Thursday.
Among assessment findings:
32 percent of students performed at or above “proficient” and 2 percent performed at an “advanced” level, Harris said. The NAEP defines “proficient” as showing “solid academic performance.”
Black and Hispanic students showed more improvement than white students, narrowing but not eliminating the achievement gap, Harris said. Hispanic students scored a five-point gain, while black students scored three points higher compared to 2009 results.
Frank says: