EMID MCA-II test results show progress in mathematics, slight decline in reading

The release of the 2008 MCA-II results indicates that overall students in EMID 6067 have made gains in mathematics. Reading results are varied with some grade levels remaining stable or increasing while others show a decline in percentage of students proficient.

Mathematics
The district's 2008 math proficiency levels showed increases over last year, indicating progress in student achievement growth at all grade levels.

At Harambee, significant gains were made in grades four and five. Gains in fourth grade are particularly significant, with those students performing above the state average. We believe this is due to concerted efforts over the past year to target intervention services to students in need of additional mathematics support.

In addition to the improvements at Harambee, we also saw increases in Crosswinds math scores at all grade levels. While these improvements are noteworthy, all grade levels continue to perform below the state average.

Reading
The district's 2008 reading proficiency levels show an overall decline from last year, indicating varied progress in student achievement growth.

At Harambee, fourth grade students showed gain in reading, performing above the state average. Third and fifth grade had fewer students proficient than last year. Harambee staff indicates concern regarding these results and is actively investigating strategies to address the decline.

Crosswinds also saw mixed results, with students in sixth and tenth grade showing gains. Tenth grade reading saw the most significant growth, with students performing above the state average. Very slight declines are indicated in grades seven and eight reading performance.

Focus on Improvement
EMID does acknowledge that it has some areas to investigate and address. Of note is the drop in reading scores at fifth grade. It is not clear whether this is the result of a cohort of students not achieving as well as previous classes or if the curriculum and instruction is not matched appropriately to state standards and in turn the MCA-II test. Harambee is implementing a new reading curriculum in the 2008-2009 school year and will work to ensure the curriculum and delivery of instruction is aligned with the standards and allows students to achieve proficiency.

Similar investigations will occur at Crosswinds to determine how to best support continued progress and growth in mathematics. We will be looking closely at data, curriculum and instruction to determine the most effective strategies

EMID will continue to use the MCA-II data, along with other sources of student assessment (e.g. MAP tests, classroom assessments) to improve instruction for all students. We will also look at various groups of students to develop strategies for closing any achievement gaps. EMID is committed to providing high-quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment to ensure success for all learners.

For questions regarding MCA-II results, please contact Kathy Griebel, Director of Education Services, at 651.379.2706 or Kathy.griebel@emid6067.net.

Click here to view district scores. http://extra.twincities.com/CAR/schools/districtdtl.asp?FromMain=606762