DOE Releases Science and Social Studies Scores
Fourth Year of Assessment Shows Sharp Increase in Grade 4 Social Studies
Dover, Del.–February 17, 2005Earlier today at the monthly State Board of Education meeting, Delaware’s Department of Education (DOE) released the resultsfrom the fifth administration of the fourth and sixth grade science and social studies portions of the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP).
In the fourth grade science, 90.4% of the students tested scored at Level 3 or higher,a nearly two percentage point increase from last year’s scores. Approximately 9.6% scored either below or well below the standard.In grade six, 75.7% scored at Level 3 or higher, an increase of a little more than one percentage point from last year’s assessment,while 24.3% of students tested scored below or well below the standard.
This year’s average standards-based score in grade 4 science was 319. 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, 68.9% of students scored at Level 3 or higher,a near one percentage point increase over last year’s results. Approximately 31% scored below or well below the standard.In grade six, 57.2% of students met or exceeded the standards, resulting in a one percentage point decrease compared to last year’s scores,while 42.8% scored below or well below the standard.
This year’s average standards-based score in grade 4 social studies was 308. 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 | 1.7% | 7.9% | 56.4% | 23.1% | 10.9% |
| Science Gr. 6 | 6.1% | 18.2% | 54.0% | 12.9% | 8.7% |
| Social Studies Gr. 4 | 8.0% | 23.0% | 52.2% | 11.7% | 5.1% |
| Social Studies Gr. 6 | 12.5% | 30.2% | 49.8% | 5.4% | 2.1% |
“The steady increase in science is the result of the continuing commitment to professional development and support for teachers,”said Secretary of Education Valerie A. Woodruff. “We hope that the recent development of the Social Studies Coalition,representatives from all school districts as well as higher education and Department of Education personnel,will promote the impetus for similar work in social studies.”
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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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