DOE Releases Science and Social Studies Scores
Third Year of Assessment Shows Continued, Steady Improvement
Dover, Del.–February 20, 2003 Earlier today, Delaware’s Department of Education (DOE) released the results from the third administration ofthe fourth and sixth grade science and social studies portions of the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP).
In the fourth grade science 89.7% of the students tested scored at Level 3 or higher, a nearly three point increase from last year’s scores.Approximately 10.3% scored either below or well below the standard. In grade six, 73.6% scored at Level 3 or higher,an increase of more than three and a half points from last year’s assessment,while 26.4% of students tested scored below or well below the standard.The science test measures students’ knowledge and understanding in four areas:Inquiry, Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science.
In fourth grade social studies 59.2% of students scored at Level 3 or higher, a 3.6% increase over last year’s results.Approximately 40.8% scored below or well below the standard. In grade six, 63.2% of students met or exceeded the standards,resulting in a ten-point increase compared to last year’s scores, while 36.8% scored below or well below the standard.The social studies test measures students’ knowledge and understanding in four areas: Civics, Economics, Geography, and History.
| Subject/Grade | Well Below (Level 1) |
Below (Level 2) |
Meets (Level 3) |
Exceeds (Level 4) |
Distinguished (Level 5) |
| Science Gr. 4 | 1.8% | 8.5% | 58.7% | 20.0% | 11.0% |
| Science Gr. 6 | 6.7% | 19.6% | 56.9% | 11.4% | 5.3% |
| Social Studies Gr. 4 | 12.4% | 28.5% | 49.8% | 6.4% | 3.0% |
| Social Studies Gr. 6 | 12.5% | 24.2% | 53.9% | 7.2% | 2.2% |
Secretary of Education Valerie A. Woodruff stated that this year’s results showed steady improvement in both areas assessed.“Today’s test scores clearly show the outstanding efforts of Delaware’s educators are truly paying off.Delaware teachers have been engaged in professional development activities to further improve their techniques and instructionto help students meet standards.” Added Woodruff, “All teachers should be proud to know that they are providing high quality instruction for our students.I applaud their efforts and congratulate the students on a job well done!”
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Contact Info.
Alison Kepner Delaware Department of Education 401 Federal Street, Suite #2 Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 735-4035 Fax: (302) 739-4654 Email: akepner@doe.k12.de.us |
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