DOE Releases May 2010 Science and Social Studies Scores
(Dover, DE.) Delaware’s Department of Education (DOE) released the results from the spring 2010 administration of the eighth and eleventh grade science and social studies portions of the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) at the October State Board of Education meeting.
In eighth grade science, approximately 60% of the students tested scored at Level 3 or higher, which is comparable to last year’s scores. In grade eleven, 57% scored at Level 3 or higher, a decrease of three percentage points from last year’s assessment. This science test measures students’ knowledge and understanding in four areas: Inquiry, Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science.
In eighth grade social studies, 57% of students scored at level 3 or higher, a two percentage point increase from last year’s scores. In grade eleven, 46% of students met or exceeded the standards, resulting in a one percentage point increase compared to last year’s scores. The social studies test measures students’ knowledge and understanding in four areas: Civics, Economics, Geography and History.
Spring 2010 DSTP results can be viewed at: http://dstp.doe.k12.de.us/DSTPmart9/.
This was the final administration of the DSTP for science and social studies. The new Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS) replaced the DSTP this fall. The DOE started administering DCAS this month to help schools identify students’ strengths and weaknesses as quickly as 48 hours after completing the test. This year students will complete DCAS Science assessments in Grades 5, 8, and 10 during the April-June assessment window. Students will complete DCAS Social Studies assessments in Grades 4 and 7 only during the same April-June assessment window.
Secretary of Education Lillian M. Lowery stated, "While these scores reflect where our students were last spring, we will be challenging them to perform at an even higher standard in the next round of testing. We’ve raised the bar for what it takes to be proficient in core subjects and expect it will take time for scores to rise to that level. In the short term, it means scores will be lower. In the long term, it means students will be better prepared to compete in a global economy."
Similar to Mathematics and Reading, the interim DCAS cut scores for Science in grades 5, 8, and 10 and Social Studies in grades 4 and 7 were set with higher expectations. These interim cut scores set in August 2010 will be revisited in September 2011.|
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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