Schools

2011 Test Scores: How Did SPUSD Do?

The Department of Education released its 2011 California Standards Tests (CSTs) scores on Aug. 15. The results are here.

The California Standards Tests (CSTs) scores released by the state last week show that students at as a whole improved in more areas than they declined. 

Superintendent Joel Shapiro told Patch he's “very pleased” with the results.

“When looking at the proficiency rate, SPUSD was already with very, very high levels of proficiency,” Shapiro said. “Most grade levels are already over 85 or 90 percent from the previous year—so any degree of growth tends to be incremental.” 

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"Proficiency rates of 90 percent or above are rare, and they are truly outstanding," Shapiro continued. 

And he's right: Statewide, 54 percent of students scored in the proficient or advanced levels for English and Language Arts, while 50 percent proved proficient or advanced in Math.

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here's a breakdown of scores from 2010 to 2011:

*Elementary Schools*

English/Language Arts Highlights

  • Second grade increased districtwide from 83 to 87 percent of students in 2011 at proficient or advanced level. Marengo students took the lead at 89 percent. 
  • Fourth grade increased districtwide from 91 percent to 92 percent. Monterey Hills took the lead at 97 percent.
  • Fifth grade increased districtwide from 86 to 90 percent. Monterey Hills students took the lead at 97 percent. 

English/Language Arts Areas to Focus

  • Third grade decreased districtwide.  improved with a score of 80 percent,  stayed the same at 74, and  declined with a score of 65.

Math Highlights

  • Second grade increased districtwide from 87 to 89 percent. Marengo students took the lead at 94 percent. 
  • Third grade increased districtwide from 89 to 90 percent. Marengo students took the lead at 95 percent. 
  • Fourth grade increased districtwide from 88 to 92 percent. Marengo and Arroyo Vista tied at 93 percent. Monterey Hills students scored 88 percent. 

Math Areas to Focus

  • Fifth grade decreased districtwide from 83 to 87 percent. Arroyo Vista scored the lowest with 76, then Marengo with 86. Monterey Hills took the lead at 90 percent. 

**

Highlights

  • Eighth graders scored at a 90 percent in Algebra I and 100 percent in Geometry

Areas to Focus

  • Sixth graders decreased in math. They scored a 74 percent. 
  • Seventh graders decreased in math and English/Language Arts. They scored a 67 and and 85 percent respectively. 
  • Eighth graders decreased in English/Language Arts. They scored a 86 percent. 

**

Highlights

  • Students' scores increased in English/Language Arts, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry, World History and U.S. History.  

Areas to Focus:  

  • Students' scores declined in Algebra I and Physics. 

Shapiro says SPUSD will analyze closely the areas in which students' scores decreased. Each principal will then create a new set of goals for the 2011-12 school year. 

To view the test results via the California Department of Education's website, click here. 


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