Maryland High School Assessment scores increased across the board last year, according to data released Monday by the State Department of Education.
The percentage of all students passing tests in algebra/data analysis, biology and government made significant gains and offered special encouragement for the class of 2009, the first required to pass proficiency exams before receiving a degree. The English II scores will be released in three weeks.
When the State Board of Education voted several years ago to begin exam requirements, joining 25 other states, they left themselves an out ? an opportunity to review the mandate in 2008. They were concerned about large numbers of students potentially reaching the spring of their senior year unable to pass the basic tests. Some of those doubts were quieted by yesterday?s results.
Officials were particularly pleased with the freshman scores: 71.5 percent of the freshman class had already passed the algebra test by the end of last school year; 79.4 percent had passed the biology assessment, and 77.8 percent had passed the government test.
“The data clearly show that students who must pass the tests will put in the work to do so,” said Nancy Grasmick, state schools superintendent in a statement. “There is a real interest on the part of students, teachers, and parents to meet this new standard, and it is gratifying that we are already seeing success. These results provide us with cautious optimism.”
The overall percentage for all students passing the exams also rose: Government results improved from 66.4 percent in 2005 to 74.2 percent this past spring; for biology, from 57.6 percent to 67.8 percent; and for algebra/data analysis from 53.8 percent to 66.6 percent.
Students have three opportunities per year to pass assessment exams following their course work. Students failing are provided on-line tools, tutoring and mini- and summer classes to learn the material necessary.
Every student subgroup also improved scores. For grades 5-9, 90.4 percent of Asian students passed the algebra test; 52.7 percent of African-American students; 68.8 percent of Hispanic students; and 87.6 percent of white students.
The percentage of African American students passing algebra, for grades 5-9, has increased 18.7 percentage points; Hispanics, 18.1 percentage points; special education, 8.7 percentage points; and limited English proficient, 11.7 percentage points.
