Denver recorded significant increases in math scores in the early grades, according to just-released state standardized test results for individual schools and districts. Fourth and eighth grade English results were up significantly as well.
This is the second year of results from new state tests that reflect more rigorous academic standards. Despite the higher scores, the results show that fewer than a third of Denver students are meeting or exceeding expectations in math.
Denver schools' scores covered a wide range. In reading, Palmer Elementary third-graders showed the biggest increase at 44 percentage points over last year. The biggest drop in scores was seen at Ellis Elementary in the same grade, with a 32 percentage decrease compared to last year.
In math, Morey Middle School eighth-graders showed the biggest increase in scores over last year with a 33 percentage point increase. The biggest decrease was seen at DSST Stapleton in the same grade with a 47 percentage point drop in test scores.
DPS officials celebrated the increases on assessments Thursday at Palmer Elementary. The increases and decreases over last year reflect test scores for a different set of students (because students advance a grade each year.) School and student “growth” scores will be out later in the semester. Those tell how a student’s current test score compares with that of similar students (their academic peer group.)
You can download and read the statewide grade-by-grade results here. The numbers are also parsed by gender, race and ethnicity, gifted and talented programs, migrant status and other categories.
The Department of Education released statewide science and math scores in August.
Across third through ninth grade, 40.2 percent of Colorado students met or exceed expectations in English, and 32.6 percent of students are on target for math. Only in some schools were fifth, eighth and 11th-graders tested in science and social studies, with 30.3 percent and 21.1 percent on track, respectively.
