“Think gas prices are high? Benfield?s MSA scores are higher,” read the sign Benfield Elementary School Principal Teresa Sacchetti carried Thursday morning.
The school had the highest combined scores for Anne Arundel County elementary schools on the Maryland School Assessment, a state test measuring the progress for elementary and middle schools required under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
For the fourth consecutive year, Anne Arundel schools overall raised their combined reading and math scores, averaging 88.3 percent proficiency for elementary school and 74.5 percent for middle school.
“I am extremely proud of the work everyone in our school system has put forth to achieve the gains we?ve made this year,” Superintendent Kevin M. Maxwell said in a press release.
Severna Park Middle School boasted the highest overall scores of the county?s middle schools.
“We focused on nonfiction reading and critical thinking for all our students, which I know was reflected in the scores,” Principal Sharon Morell said.
Even with general advancements, Anne Arundel had some schools fall short of state standards. Georgetown East Elementary School suffered drops in both math and reading for every grade level but third, with scores below 70 on average. The principal was unable to comment.
Benfield and Shipley?s Choice elementary schools made the state?s top 10.
“It?s the expertise of teachers and students who work very hard,” said Lynda Cratty, who teaches reading at Shipley?s Choice. “They come to school prepared to learn.”
