Supe: State Tests Implemented Too Quickly

While results for state test scores indicate in Kings Park and for the state, a sharp decline, Kings Park Superintendent Susan Agruso said the results do not represent the proficiency of its students.

In a letter posted on the district's website, Agruso said "We believe the assessments were implemented too quickly and the results of this first year do not represent the proficiency of our students and they do not reflect the high quality instruction provided by our teachers."

She said the district is carefully analyzing the data and will review the curriculum and instruction to make sure they are aligned with the common core standards. Agruso also states in the letter that they will continue to provide feedback and suggestions to the state to improve the assessment program.

Tests are scored at levels one through four. According to state standards, students marked at level four excel in standards for their grade. Level three indicates a student is proficient in standards for their grade. Students performing at level two are below proficient for their grade and level one students are well below proficient in standards for their grade.

The increase in students who are no longer proficient in these areas will likely prompt administrators to begin making plans on bringing them up to speed. 

In her letter, Agruso said the district embraces the Common Core Standards and their importance for preparing students for the future and added that over time as teachers continue to teach the new standards and students have a chance to master them, test results will improve. 

Grade 3 English

• Level 1: 13.5 percent
• Level 2: 28.7 percent
• Level 3: 50 percent
• Level 4: 7.8 percent

• Level 1: 14.5 percent
• Level 2: 37.3 percent
• Level 3 28.4 percent
• Level 4: 19.9 percent

• Level 1: 15 percent
• Level 2: 39.3 percent
• Level 3: 30.3 percent
• Level 4: 12.4 percent

• Level 1: 12.7 percent
• Level 2: 40.1 percent
• Level 3: 33.7 percent
• Level 4: 13.5 percent

• Level 1: 19.6 percent
• Level 2: 41.1 percent
• Level 3: 33.3 percent
• Level 4: 6 percent

• Level 1: 26.8 percent
• Level 2: 36.6 percent
• Level 3: 29.2 percent
• Level 4: 7.4 percent

• Level 1: 8.3 percent
• Level 2: 32.4 percent
• Level 3: 30.6 percent
• Level 4: 28.7 percent

• Level 1: 12.5 percent
• Level 2: 50.5 percent
• Level 3: 21.8 percent
• Level 4: 15.3 percent

• Level 1: 15.1 percent
• Level 2: 38.5 percent
• Level 3: 36.5 percent
• Level 4: 9.9 percent

• Level 1: 25.1 percent
• Level 2: 47.6 percent
• Level 3: 25.4 percent
• Level 4: 1.9 percent

• Level 1: 7.8 percent
• Level 2: 38.7 percent
• Level 3: 37.6 percent
• Level 4: 15.9 percent

• Level 1: 6.8 percent
• Level 2: 50.3 percent
• Level 3: 35.2 percent
• Level 4: 7.7 percent