DOE Releases Science and Social Studies Scores
Fourth Year of Assessment Shows Sharp Increase in Grade 4 Social Studies
Dover, Del.–February 19, 2004Earlier today, Delaware’s Department of Education (DOE) released the results from the fourth administration of the fourth and sixth grade science and social studies portions of the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP).
In the fourth grade science 88.7% of the students tested scored at Level 3 or higher, a one percentage point decrease from last year’s scores. Approximately 11.3% scored either below or well below the standard.In grade six, 74.4% scored at Level 3 or higher, an increase of a little less than one percentage point from last year’s assessment, while 25.6% of students tested scored below or well below the standard.
This year’s average standards-based score in grade 4 science was 318. In 2000, when testing first began in both science and social studies, the average score was 313.In grade 6, the average score was 311; in 2000, the average score was 302. The science test measures students’ knowledge and understanding in four areas: Inquiry, Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science.
In fourth grade social studies 68.3% of students scored at Level 3 or higher, a 9.1 percentage point increase over last year’s results. Approximately 31.7% scored below or well below the standard.In grade six, 58.2% of students met or exceeded the standards, resulting in a five-percentage point decrease compared to last year’s scores, while 41.8% scored below or well below the standard.
This year’s average standards-based score in grade 6 social studies was 307. In 2000, the average score was 297. In grade 6, the average score was 303; in 2000, the average score was 296.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 | 2.1% | 9.2% | 57.8% | 19.1% | 11.8% |
| Science Gr. 6 | 5.8% | 19.8% | 54.1% | 13.3% | 7.0% |
| Social Studies Gr. 4 | 8.3% | 23.4% | 54.8% | 9.5% | 4.0% |
| Social Studies Gr. 6 | 12.7% | 29.1% | 50.5% | 5.5% | 2.2% |
“Our schools are working hard to improve curriculum and instruction in both science and social studies,” stated Secretary of Education Valerie A. Woodruff.Added the Secretary, “Although the results of this year’s fourth and sixth grade assessments are mixed, we will increase our focus and work towards improvement next year.”
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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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