Improved ISTEP+ scores released

The Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus scores were released, showing students in Indiana have improved their ability in mathematics and English/language arts.

The scores, which were released Sept. 18, show Indiana students in grades 3-8 have improved in both portions statewide, with 82.7 percent passing the mathematics portion and 79.5 percent passing the English/language arts portion.

This is an increase from last year, where 81.2 percent passed the math portion and 79.4 percent passed language.

“First, I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of Indiana students, parents, educators, administrators and the employees of the Department of Education for their efforts during the administration of this test,” said Glenda Ritz, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, in a press release. “Despite considerable difficulties, our students improved their overall performance yet again and deserve our congratulations.”

Monroe County Community School Corporation performed above the state average, with 84.5 percent of students passing the math portion and 82.3 percent passing the language portion. Overall, 77.3 percent of students passed both sections.

Despite being above the state average, MCCSC scores dropped from last year, where 84.8 percent passed math and 83.4 percent passed language. Overall, passing went down as well from 77.6 percent in 2012.

Students also took a science portion of the exam, which is based on new standards adopted in 2010. The Department of Education anticipates the scores will be released in October.

— Stephen Kroll