SBA test scores reflect low percentages
This year, the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) test scores for New Mexico show the results for elementary, middle and high schools and their proficiency percentages in reading and math. According to the New Mexico Public Education Department website, statistics show student percentages are low in math compared to reading.
This year, the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) test scores for New Mexico show the results for elementary, middle and high schools and their proficiency percentages in reading and math. According to the New Mexico Public Education Department website, statistics show student percentages are low in math compared to reading.
Out of the four Socorro elementary schools, Midway Elementary School was at the top percentage of third grade students who are 60 percent proficient in reading, which is higher than the state average for third graders at 52.4 percent. The scores for eighth graders at Sarracino Middle School came in second with 40.8 percent of students proficient in reading, while Socorro High School came in last with sophomores at 29.4 percent.
“At the high school level, students are reading in special areas more than elementary schools,” said School Superintendent Randall Earwood. “It becomes more of a challenge as you get older compared to the basic skills at a younger age.”
The New Mexico average for third grade math scores was 52.7 percent of students who are proficient, and 34.4 percent of students who are not. Midway Elementary School had third graders who came close to the state average of those who are not proficient in math with 33.3 percent. Sarracino Middle School had 39.8 percent of eighth grade students not proficient, and Socorro High School came in first with 61.3 percent of students who aren’t proficient in math. Earwood said the reason math score percentages are low compared to reading, math is a more specialized subject and comes to students at different levels.
“You see the same scenarios throughout the state, math scores will always be lower,” Earwood said.
According to the SBA statistics, math and reading score percentages decreased as students get into higher grade levels from elementary school to high school. The best way to approach the test scores so math scores can be improved, is to have more individualized instruction, such as tutoring, after school help to practice these skills on a daily basis, Earwood said.
“There’s always room for improvement, for instruction. The goal of the school district is to provide the right resources for a better education,” Earwood said.