Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 24, 1994 TAG: 9403240139
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Overall, the state's 1 million public school students scored higher last year on half of the 46 indicators listed in the 1994 Outcome Accountability Project report. Over three years, students improved on 61 percent of the indicators.
The report showed general improvement in physical fitness test results and minority performance, but standardized test scores were either unchanged or slightly lower.
The Department of Education began measuring school performance four years ago, breaking from the traditional method of evaluating schools on measures such as student-teacher ratio and per-pupil expenditure.
"The recognized point of educational change and reform is at the school level," said William Bosher, state superintendent of public instruction. "By reporting school data, we move the level of information closer to where it can do some good."
He said school officials should use the data to measure progress and determine areas that need improvement. Schools that show improvement, regardless of where they stand in statewide rankings, are the ones that deserve the most praise, Bosher said.
The report is broken down into seven objectives, including preparing students for work and preparing them for college.
From 1991-92 to 1992-93, Virginia students improved slightly in five of the eight indicators in preparing students for college. On the objective of preparing students for work, however, students improved in just one of four categories.
"We need to do a better job of concentrating on those kids who are not going on to college," said James Jones, president of the state Board of Education.
Bosher said academic achievement is not the first quality prospective employers seek in high school graduates. He said they want employees who get along with people, show up for work regularly and have a good grasp of academic basics.
Physical fitness scores improved 3 percent at the elementary level, 2 percent in middle school and 1 percent in high school.
Jones said the improvement is welcome, but he noted the figures still are low. The percentage of students passing all four physical-fitness tests ranged from 23 in high school to 33 in elementary school.
The number of minority students receiving advanced studies diplomas and taking a foreign language in middle school increased by 1 percent, and the number taking algebra in middle school increased by 2 percent.
Other highlights of the seven objectives measured:
Preparing students for college: The number of students taking algebra before ninth grade increased 2 percent. Four other indicators showed a 1 percent increase, two were flat and one - eighth-grade standardized test scores above 75th percentile - declined 1 percent.
Preparing students for work: Students improved 1 percent in keyboard or typing skills, but vocational completion and basic reading and math skills showed no change.
Increasing the graduation rate: The number of sixth-graders passing the Literacy Passport test improved 6 percent, and the number of overage eighth-graders declined 1 percent. Fourth-grade standardized test scores above the 25th percentile fell 1 percent.
Increasing special-education students' living skills and opportunities: Students improved in four of six indicators - Literacy Passport passing rate and work experience, up 3 percent each; attendance, up 2 percent; and co-curricular participation, up 1 percent. The number receiving a regular or advanced studies diploma declined 1 percent.
Educating elementary school students: Attendance and the number of overage fourth-graders dropped by 1 percent.
Educating middle school students: Attendance and the number of students taking a foreign language improved by 1 percent. Eighth-grade test scores above the 50th and 75th percentiles declined 1 percent.
Educating secondary school students: Attendance improved by 1 percent. Standardized test scores and the dropout rate were unchanged.
Memo: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.