By:JOHN BORRELLI
Fourth-grade scores on the English/Language Arts (ELA) tests improved again in Malverne, Lynbrook and East Rockaway school districts. The state-mandated exams, designed to test students' reading, writing and comprehension skills, have been administered for a third consecutive year. Scores have improved each year since 1999 in all three districts.
Test results reflect the percentage of students who score in Levels 3 or 4. These students are meeting or exceeding state standards, and presumably will be able to the pass Regents exams now required in order to graduate high school.
In Lynbrook, 93 percent of students tested this year received a score within the Level 3 or 4 range. Lynbrook's superintendent of schools, William Metkiff, said, "We did well. I congratulate the children, parents and teachers. But [the scores] are only a snapshot of one group of students at one particular time."
Students who score in Levels 1 and 2 are required to attend AIS (Academic Intervention Services) classes, usually given before or after the regular school day. These classes, also mandated by the state, are designed to bring students scores on state assessment tests up to Levels 3 or 4.
In East Rockaway, 87 percent of students tested scored in Level 3 or 4. James Powers, East Rockaway's superintendent, said, "We only have one student who scored in Level 1." Since assessment tests began, he said, "we have yet to have a student fail to pass a Regents exam. We work hard with students, using AIS to make sure they succeed."
The Malverne School District has shown great improvement over three years. This year, 69 percent of students scored in Levels 3 or 4. B. Allen Mannella, the district's new superintendent, said that parents have been instrumental.
"We have made some real connections with parents. We sent home packets that gave parents information about important terminology, and gave them suggestions as to questions they could ask their kids." Mannella gave as an example a situation in which a parent and child are setting the table for dinner. The parent might ask the child how many forks, knives and spoons would be needed to set a table for four.
"Parents are always asking what they can do to help. These packets helped answer that question. And as a result," Mannella said, "parents have really become a driving force in their children's education."
Metkiff explained that better scores have been achieved as teachers have gotten, over three years, a better understanding of the tests and adjusted what they teach and how they teach it to ensure better scores. "After three years," he said, "you tend to calm down and get more used to the format. Teaching styles have changed as well. These factors lead to improved scores."
Powers said that the curriculum at East Rockaway has been modified, beginning at kindergarten level, to better represent the content of the ELA test. "Scores are higher," he said, "because the third grade curriculum is more in line with the test."
Mannella, too, spoke of a "comfortability level" as the tests become more familiar to educators. "All in all, he said, "the tests are a good thing. They've brought some along kicking and screaming, but they are making for better education."
