Math and English Language Arts assessment scores for the 2012-2013 are out and they are causing an expected stir among parents and educators.

The scores are significantly lower than in years past.  That, says State Education Commissioner John King, is because the standards have been raised following the adoption of the tougher Common Core Curriculum put in place by the Board of Regents in 2010.

Through a written release from his office, King said the following: "I understand these scores are sobering for parents, teachers, and principals. It's frustrating to see our children struggle. But we can't allow ourselves to be paralyzed by frustration; we must be energized by this opportunity. The results we've announced today are not a critique of past efforts; they're a new starting point on a roadmap to future success.  We all share the same goal: to make sure all students in New York have the skills and knowledge to be successful in college and careers. With the Common Core, we're building a ladder toward that goal; the assessment scores are a measure of where our students are on that ladder and give us a clearer, more accurate picture of the climb ahead."

It was the anticipation of the higher standards that caused teachers, parents, and very definitely students to be stressed during the examinations that took place over several weeks during the 2012-2013 school year.

Here is a summary of the scores:

From New York State Education Department Press Release issued August 7, 2013
From New York State Education Department Press Release issued August 7, 2013
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From this snapshot summary of results, fewer than one-third of all students met or exceeded proficiency standards in math in 2013:

 

New York State Department of Education
New York State Department of Education
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Similar results were reported with the English Language Arts examinations:

New York State Department of Education
New York State Department of Education
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A link to all of the test results can be found by clicking here.

 

 

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