DSTP Science & Social Studies Scores Released
Results Show Another Year of Steady Increases in Both Grades
Dover, Del.–September 15, 2005 Earlier today at the monthly State Board of Education meeting, Delaware’s Department of Education (DOE) released the results from the sixth administration of the eighth and eleventh grade science and social studies portions of the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP).
In eighth grade science, 52.8% of the students tested scored at Level 3 or higher,a three percentage point increase from last year’s scores. Approximately 47.1% scored either below or well below the standard.In grade eleven, 58.6% scored at Level 3 or higher, an increase of five percentage points from last year’s assessment, while 41.3% of students tested scored below or well below the standard.
This year’s average standards-based score in grade 8 science was 301. In 2000, when testing first began in both science and social studies,the average score was 292. In grade 11, the average score was 304; in 2000, the average score was 298. The science test measures students’ knowledge and understanding in four areas: Inquiry, Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science.
In eighth grade social studies, 54.3% of students scored at Level 3 or higher,a seven percentage point increase over last year’s results. Approximately 46% scored below or well below the standard.In grade eleven, 53% of students met or exceeded the standards, resulting in a seven percentage point increase compared to last year’s scores, while 47% scored below or well below the standard.
This year’s average standards-based score in grade 8 social studies was 301. In 2000, the average score was 293.In grade 11, the average score was 300; in 2000, the average score was 283. 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. 8 | 21.7% | 25.4% | 33.7% | 9.5% | 9.6% |
| Science Gr. 11 | 18.4% | 22.9% | 39.0% | 10.5% | 9.1% |
| Social Studies Gr. 8 | 19.8% | 26.0% | 40.0% | 8.1% | 6.2% |
| Social Studies Gr. 11 | 20.4% | 26.6% | 32.9% | 10.3% | 9.8% |
“This year’s results show positive gains in both content areas at both grades,” said Deputy Secretary of Education Nancy J. Wilson.“I am pleased by the steady increase in the number of students who are moving from Performance Level 1 to Performance Level 2as well as those students who were below the standard and are now meeting or exceeding the standards.”
Results can be viewed on DOE’s website at:
http://dstp.doe.k12.de.us/DSTPMart/
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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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