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Older students do worse on statewide tests By DAMIAN MANN Jackson County eighth- and 10th-graders generally fared worse than the state average on assessment scores released Monday by the Oregon Department of Education. Third-graders, however, showed higher-than-average scores in reading and mathematics throughout Jackson County, while fifth-graders rated about average in both categories. Individual schools also varied wildly in performance from 2000 to 2001, some showing declines, others improvement. These mixed numbers run contrary to most Oregon schools, which on average posted almost across-the-board gains in reading, mathematics and science for grades three, five, eight and 10. This is part of the state's annual assessment program that aims to improve educational standards throughout Oregon. Even though Jackson County showed uneven results, many of its high schools showed improvement over last year. For instance, North and South Medford high schools fared better in reading and mathematics, gaining two to four percentage points from last year. As another example, Ashland High School scored 80 percent on reading and 63 percent on mathematics in 2000, but boosted those numbers to 84 and 72 percent respectively this year. On the other hand, McLoughlin and Hedrick middle schools fared worse this year. Hedrick dropped four points in reading and three points in math from last year. In both eighth and 10th grades, county schools showed students scored poorer in reading, mathematics and science compared to statewide. Crater High School's scores showed a significant dip, but the school district has contested the results. "We are concerned about a possible error," said Doug Jantzi, curriculum director for the Central Point School District. "We are questioning the data right now with the Department of Education." Crater's numbers showed 58 percent of its students did not meet the reading benchmark and 72 percent did not make the mathematics benchmark. If the numbers hold true, Jantzi said, the reading score would be the worst in four years, though he is particularly suspicious of the state's numbers. The mathematics statistics would also be a blow to the school, reflecting scores it received in 1999. "We don't want to go backwards in time," said Jantzi. "We do want to do better." Administrators believe that part of the problem in meeting the standards can be attributed to the increased number of students - particularly those with limited English proficiency and special education children - who are now required to take the tests. Phil Long, curriculum director for the Medford School District, said the state has steadily increased the participation rate of students in the testing program. At South Medford High School, 167 students took the assessment in 1998, but 250 took it this year. "Twenty-five percent is a pretty significant increase," he said. Because third- and fifth-graders are generally doing well in Jackson County and throughout the state, Jantzi said, this will lead to discussion among educators as to whether these tests might be too easy. If so, it could mean that these students are not adequately prepared for the tests that come later, in eighth and 10th grade, he said. Though generally pleased with the performance of Medford schools, Long said, "We still have a long way to go as a district." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.