By ALEX COSTELLO
The exams test the math skills of students in grades three through eight. The state uses a four-level scoring system; those who score at Level 3 or 4 meet or surpass the state standards, while Level 1 or 2 scorers fail to meet those standards. Nearly all of the students in Oceanside and Island Park scored at Level 3 or 4, and 100 percent of Island Park seventh-graders did so.
“I think it shows that the district is a very high-achieving district,” said Dr. Edward Price, superintendent of Island Park Schools. “Certainly I think it makes us a district where families would want to move.”
The biggest improvements in both districts were among seventh- and eighth-graders. In Oceanside, 98.5 percent of seventh-graders scored at Level 3 or above this year, compared with 91.5 percent in 2008. There was a similar jump in eighth-grade passing scores, from 82.8 percent in 2008 to 90 percent this year.
In Island Park, 96.3 percent of seventh-graders met or exceeded the state standards in 2008, and this year every seventh-grader passed. Grade 8, meanwhile, showed the greatest improvement of any class in either district — 10.3 percentage points — with 94.4 percent of students scoring at Level 3 or 4, compared with 84.1 percent last year.
"We think we have the right curriculum," said Oceanside Superintendent Dr. Herb Brown. "And we think we’re teaching math the right way, because we’re not doing test prep. We’re teaching math."
Both districts attributed their high scores to new programs that have put in place in recent years. The districts have also increased professional development for teachers. In Oceanside, the changes have been dramatic.
“We don’t teach eighth-grade math — we teach algebra in the eighth grade,” said Brown. “So our kids are doing well without even taking the course.”
Algebra is only one part of the state’s eighth-grade test, but Oceanside’s eighth-graders are on an accelerated track, taking what is usually a ninth grade algebra course. “We’re not even preparing the kids for this test,” Brown said. “We’re teaching them algebra, and they’re doing well, anyway. So I’m very pleased with it.”
Brown said he considers the students’ scores to be a testament not only to how well they are learning, but also to the skills of teachers at every grade along the way who help students build on their knowledge of math.
“We teach skills in an authentic matter through curriculum, and therefore the students are able to internalize the strategies,” said Tara Werle, Oceanside Middle School’s math curriculum supervisor. “I would say that another piece of why they were great is the technology of the Smart Notebook software and the Intelliboards. I think that the technology really brings math alive and engages the students in the class.”
Price attributed Island Park’s success to the way teachers utilize tests to gauge students’ ability. During the year, students are given tests that are similar in content and format to the state tests. From those results, teachers can see where students are excelling and where they need more work.
“We use the analysis of [the tests] to focus on those areas where the kids have strengths and weaknesses,” Price explained. “You go on and focus on their weaknesses and make it more of an individualized instruction.”
Both superintendents agreed that their students’ high scores were a boon for their districts. “This is the kind of district where, if I had a young family and I was looking at schools, I would say, ‘Wow, here’s a high-achieving district. Lets take a look here,’” said Price. “And then when you begin to see many of our other programs, you see what a gem this place is. And then you say, ‘Hey, this is a great community and a great place to live.’”
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