Illinois Test Scores -- Early Analysis

As in the past, there is a slew of test score coverage from the Tribune and the Sun Times out today, based on the release of the school-by-school results for last spring's tests -- but not necessarily a clear story line.

Some of the main points made in the stories include:

**Overall progress/improvement not that great from 5 years ago: School scores stagnate (Tribune). "Illinois elementary students on average scored no better on state reading tests this year than five years ago--even as the state and nation pushed to improve youngsters' literacy skills."

**There was no giant leap in the number of schools not making AYP, in large part due to various exemptions and statistical methods that have been adopted by the state: Relaxed standards part of reason for better scores (Sun-Times). "A school must have at least 45 students in a given group before it's counted as a subgroup. Subgroup categories are: white, black, multiracial, Latino, Asian, Native American, low-income, limited English and disabled students."

**This year, 72.9 percent of schools made adequate yearly progress, compared with 71.5 percent in 2004. "Math scores among low-income students tripped up more schools than any other subgroup, helping put 492 schools on a failing list, the Sun-Times found. The math scores of black students were next. Those hurt 377 schools. Statewide, 390,000 students were eligible to transfer to better performing schools, but only 1,300 did. "

**White kids/high performing schools not focused on tests/prep: State tests show drop at the top. "Chicago's Edgebrook Elementary, which fell from No. 5 statewide to No. 11, Principal Diane Maciejewski has lost sleep over the puzzling drop in this year's ISAT results."

**Questions about reading exam questions/grading required a re-analysis by the state: Results get second look after drop 'raises an eyebrow'**Broken up schools like Orr, Bown, and South Shore are generally doing better than they were before: Dividing big schools a winning equation (Sun Times).

**Some schools like South Loop are making dramatic gains -- but not necessarily making AYP: Despite fast strides, some still fall short (Tribune). "Three years ago, 18 percent of South Loop Elementary 3rd graders passed the state reading exam. Last school year, 58 percent did so...Statewide, 100 schools, including South Loop, boosted pass rates by at least 19 percentage points over three years, but 11 of those schools still landed on the failing list. Five of the 11 are in the area."

**Embracing testing – prep, frequent assessment -- as well as tutoring and parent involvement -- were used by schools that raised their scores : How six schools succeeded in improving scores
(Sun Times).

UPDATE:
Business Academy recommended for Austin HS Austin Weekly
Mind the gap in Oak Park River Forest Wednesday Journal via DTK
Latino pupils fare well on shorter test Tribune
New test scores - old concerns Southtown
Scores up, but more schools fail Daily Southtown
Technically, fewer children left behind Daily Herald
No Revolution at Chicago's Jordan Elementary Howler
The fine line between passing, failing Daily Herald