DOE Releases Science and Social Studies Scores
8th Grade Science, 11th Grade Social Studies Scores Increase
Dover, Del.–September 25, 2003At today’s monthly State Board of Education meeting, Delaware Department of Education officials released the resultsfrom the fourth administration of the eighth and eleventh grade science and social studies portions of theDelaware Student Testing Program (DSTP).
In eighth grade science 49% of the students tested scored at Level 3 or higher,a five percentage point increase from last year’s test results.In the eleventh grade, 51% scored at Level 3 or higher, a decrease of three percentage points from last year’s assessment.The science test measures students’ knowledge and understanding in four areas: Inquiry, Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science.
In eighth grade social studies 47% of students scored at Level 3 or higher which is the same percentage as last year’s results.Forty-nine percent of 11th grade students met or exceeded the standards,resulting in a significant six percentage point increase compared to last year’s results.The social studies test measures students’ knowledge and understanding in 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. 8 | 22.9% | 28.1% | 33.9% | 9.8% | 5.3% |
| Science Gr. 11 | 17.3% | 31.3% | 39.6% | 6.7% | 5.0% |
| Social Studies Gr. 8 | 26.3% | 26.9% | 32.8% | 6.5% | 7.4% |
| Social Studies Gr. 11 | 25.3% | 26.0% | 28.9% | 9.4% | 10.5% |
Secretary of Education Valerie Woodruff stated that she is pleased to see the improvements that have been madeand is committed to supporting the social studies standards implementation.“We have not attended to the curriculum alignment and professional development for teachers for social studieswith the same intensity and investment as we have for reading, writing, math and science.We have efforts underway that need to be enhanced and we must develop new supports as we have resources to do so.”
The Department of Education has set aside some funds for social studies and continues to seek outside funds as well.
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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education
for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.
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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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