SE students receive low marks on MN science test
September 25th, 2008Sibley East High School students scored lower than the state average in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment science test last spring.
Senior High Principal Jim Amsden told the school board that 32.26% of the sophomores, in the spring of 2008, were found to be proficient in science. 67.74% were found to be not proficient. Ninety-three students from Sibley East were administered the test.
Statewide, 42.88% of students were proficient, and 57.12% were not proficient.
Amsden explained that there may be several factors involved in the low scores. It is the first time the test had been given on-line, and new tests are usually difficult, he said.
The test is not a graduation requirement for students, like the reading and math tests, and that may also play a role in how seriously students take the tests, Amsden explained.
Two sub-groups of students - Hispanic and Limited English Proficiency - experienced the most difficulty with the test. Amsden said that the narrative requirement of the test may be difficult for those students.
School officials will work to identify areas in the curriculum that may need to be addressed, based on the test results. In addition, issues relating to curriculum integration and sequencing will also be identified, he said.
