For the first time, all Howard County elementary schools beat their local goal in reading and math Maryland School Assessment scores with all middle schools surpassing the county?s reading standards, Superintendent Sydney Cousin said.
Howard County?s overall rising scores ranked among the top in the state. The county set its goal at exceeding 70 percent proficiency in reading and math in the MSA, a state test measuring the progress for elementary and middle schools required under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
The elementary schools saw an overall 90 percent proficiency in reading and 89 percent proficiency in math.
Middle schools reached 85 percent proficiency in reading and 81 percent in math.
Fourth-graders jumped 1.8 percentage points in reading and 4.6 percentage points in math from last year.
“This is the first time that we?ve passed the 90 percent mark across a grade level,” Cousin said. “That?s significant.”
Within the fourth grade, black students narrowed the gap between minority and white students, raising reading scores 3.1 percentage points and math scores by 5 percentage points.
Centennial Lane Elementary School topped the list.
“Our instructional staff pays special attention to students? learning styles and cultivates a positive learning environment,” Principal Florence Hu said.
Scores are influenced by demographics, students with special needs and the number of students receiving free or reduced price meals.
ON THE NET
To see your school?s scores, visit www.mdreportcard.org/Assessments
