By Brian Zanzonico
There was improvement in the exams, taken by students in grades 3 through 8 earlier this year, both statewide and locally. The percentage of seventh-graders who met or exceeded the state standard in the Sewanhaka Central High School District's five schools rose to 83 percent, a marked increase over the 72 percent who "passed" last year. Seventy-one percent of Sewanhaka eighth-graders met the state standard, up from 68 percent last year.
The tests are scored in four categories, from Level 1 to Level 4. Students scoring at Level 3 meet the state standard, and those at Level 4 exceed it.
The percentage of seventh-graders who met the standard soared at H. Frank Carey High School, to 85 percent from 69 percent last year. Eighty-four percent of Carey eighth-graders met the standard, a drastic improvement over the 73 percent who did so in 2006.
Elmont Memorial High School seventh-graders (70 percent in 2006, 76 percent in 2007) and Sewanhaka High School seventh-graders (61 percent in 2006, 77 percent in 2007) fared better this year. Fifty-nine percent of Elmont eighth-graders met the standard each of the last two years.
Sewanhaka Superintendent Warren Meierdiercks said district policy, which requires all seventh-graders to take pre-algebra, which he called a "rigorous course," was one of the reasons behind the improvement. He also cited a 2006 summer skills program for then-incoming seventh-graders who needed help, as well as added staff in Elmont and Sewanhaka high schools for academic intervention for students who needed it. There was also an extra period of math every day for students who could use the help. Because these programs were such as success for seventh-graders, they will be implemented for eighth-graders next year, Meierdiercks said.
"We've seen a nice bounce in seventh-grade results," Meierdiercks said. "Our eighth-grade scores were good, but we want to see more. Elmont and Sewanhaka didn't do as well, but with more help coming to eighth-graders, I'm optimistic those results will improve."
In Franklin Square, 98 percent of third-graders met the state standard, an improvement over last year. The numbers for fifth-graders (97 percent in 2006, 98 percent in 2007) and sixth-graders (94 percent in 2006, 95 percent in 2007) also rose. Ninety-nine percent of fourth-graders met the standard this year as well as last year.
Elmont School District scores were unavailable as of press time.
"I'm very happy," Franklin Square Superintendent Dr. Tom Dolan said. "I think it's indicative of how the kids are doing, and [the scores] are easily attributable to three things: motivated students, supportive parents and a talented staff. That's all a district needs."
Statewide, 73 percent of students across grades 3 to 8 met or exceeded the state standard, compared with 66 percent last year. "We are focusing relentlessly on closing the achievement gap, so the news today is encouraging," Regents Chancellor Robert Bennett said in a statement. "Students, parents, teachers and school leaders deserve thanks and congratulations from all of New York. We cannot be satisfied, though, until we have raised achievement and closed the gap everywhere. We have to press on to make sure all children succeed."
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