Sneak Peek at Washington's Smarter Balanced Results
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 07/02/2015 10:00 AM PDTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Sneak Peek at Washington's Smarter Balanced Results
As scoring nears completion, Washington’s performance is better than anticipated
OLYMPIA – July 2, 2015 –Washington students who took the Smarter Balanced tests are generally scoring higher than last year’s field tests indicated they would, according to preliminary results released today by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
The testing window ended June 15. With roughly 90 percent of scores returned, State Superintendent Randy Dorn is pleased with what he has seen so far. “I’m encouraged by the preliminary results for this baseline year,” said Dorn. “It’s a great beginning for the state of Washington.”
“Teachers and students have been working hard this year to transition to more difficult learning standards and tests. While tests are just one way to measure students’ knowledge, these new tests give educators a clearer picture of how the system is doing and where instructional improvements need to be made.”
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Students throughout the state took the Smarter Balanced assessments for the first time this spring. These tests measure student learning of the new state learning standards in English language arts and mathematics, adopted by our state in 2011 to ensure all students who graduate from a Washington high school have the critical-thinking skills needed for careers and college.
OSPI cautions that this sneak peek is preliminary. Results are updated daily, as tests continue to be scored. Return rates vary by district, grade level and content area, so comparisons between districts should not be made until all tests have been scored. Disaggregated district-level results will be available during OSPI’s annual score release press conference at 10 am on August 17.
This week’s preliminary results do not factor in test refusals. What is reported here is the proportion of students who took the test and earned a level 3 or level 4. OSPI will release preliminary test refusal numbers, by grade level and content area for each school district, on July 9. For state and federal accountability purposes, refusals will be incorporated into the proficiency rates reported on August 17. Proficiency rates will be lower when refusals are included.
More information
Contact
Nathan Olson
OSPI Communications Manager
360-725-6015
Kristen Jaudon
OSPI Communications Specialist
360-725-6032
About OSPI
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K–12 education in Washington state. Led by State Superintendent Randy Dorn, OSPI works with the state's 295 school districts and nine educational service districts to administer basic education programs and implement education reform on behalf of more than one million public school students.
OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director at 360-725-6162 or P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200.