After months of delays, ISTEP scores from last spring were released to the public Wednesday.
School administrators are now examining the results and focusing on ways to improve scores for this year. Despite some students locally and statewide experiencing delays during computerized testing in the spring, scores across the state went up.
The data released by the Indiana Department of Education showed 79.5 percent of students passed the English portion of the test and 82.7 percent passed math, which is up from 79.4 percent for English and 81.2 percent for math in 2012.
73.5 percent of students passed both sections statewide.
Batesville Community Schools were near the top in both sections of the test. Students in 3rd through 8th grade at Batesville scored 91.4% in English and 95.6% in math. Batesville’s math score is ranked 2nd best in the state.
89.3 percent of Batesville students passed both sections of the test, which results in the 6th best score in the state.
Superintendent Jim Roberts, Batesville Community School Corp., said, “Across the board we are in the top ten which is certainly a goal of ours.”
“Also a goal is to have the best scores in Indiana. So we will continue to improve,” he added.
South Ripley School exceeded the state average this year. Students excelled above last year’s marks in both sections of the ISTEP by scoring 91 percent in the English portion; and 90.6 percent in math.
“It is a combined effort. Students, parents, community members, administrators and teachers, everybody working together to meet the needs of our individual students,” said South Ripley Supt. Rob Moorhead.
58 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch at South Ripley. The corporation is not letting that affect student performance.
“We continue to break down barriers and look for opportunities to overcome obstacles,” Moorhead said, “I think our results are speaking for themselves.”
Above average scores in the area were not limited to Batesville and South Ripley.
Students at St. Louis School in Batesville passed both sections of the ISTEP at a 90.4 percent rate.
Administrators are seeing positive results at Greensburg Elementary. In 2012, 81.7 percent of students passed both portions of the ISTEP. This year, 90.4 percent of students succeeded in both sections.
2013 ISTEP scores from around the area include: Franklin County at 69.7 percent; Jac-cen-del with 75.3 percent; 70.1 percent for Lawrenceburg; Milan at 71.5 percent; South Dearborn scored 76 percent; Sunman-Dearborn at 79.9 percent; and 78.6 percent of students at St. Nicholas passed both portions of the test.
