Learning
(2009-08-12)
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
(KBIA) -
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released the 2009 MAP test results today, and state scores have improved on average. MAP tests are standardized yearly assessments of students' skills. The department also released a preliminary Adequate Yearly Progress report - it shows the percentage of students who have earned proficient or advanced results on the MAP tests.In Columbia, though, the scores do not show improvement for third- through sixth-graders.
Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Chris Belcher says he is not happy with the district's results. Scores have plateaued or slightly decreased in communication arts and math over the last four years.
Belcher says the data helps measure the health of the school system. Because he is new to the district, he says there will be a comprehensive school improvement process this year.
This will be the data we use to say: Here's where we're at. Is this good enough?' And I suspect that the community will say no. I certainly say no. And we say, Well, what do we need to do differently to impact the discourse and to rise to the level that I think we're capable of?' We're much better than what our test scores show.
Meanwhile Jefferson City Public Schools saw improvements in 10 of the 14 areas and scored better than state average in 12 of the 14 areas. Jefferson City school district spokesperson David Luther says the district is generally happy with the results. Luther says there are many factors influencing the district's improvements.
Ultimately it comes down to the classroom teacher. Their skills make the difference in the way our kids learn, and if they have good data to use to help them in their lesson plans, then I think we will continue to see success.
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