The Minnesota Department of Education released the latest MCA test results the last week of July. A statement released from District 200 asserted that Hastings continues to outperform state averages with students meeting or exceeding the grade level expectations in reading, mathematics and science above statewide proficiency rates. The State of Minnesota requires students to take MCAs in reading, math and science. For the 2016 testing year the district levels reflected an increase in mathematics from 69.1 percent proficient to 70.3 percent proficient. That number was more than 10 percent above the Minnesota State average of 59.4 percent. One set of numbers in math scores was especially pronounced by the results of testing at John F. Kennedy Elementary. The State proficiency average is 57.8 percent, but students at the Hastings school measured 86.7 percent proficiency in that area.
Reading scores have shown a decrease in proficiency statewide in recent years. From a State level of 83 percent just four years ago to a 2016 State average of 59.9 percent, District 200 also shows a decrease in reading proficiency to 68.1 compared with the State level at 65 percent. Hastings High School students, however, showed significant improvement from last year, increasing the number of students who were proficient by 5.3 percent. In Science, the statewide average is 55 percent with District 200 levels overall reflecting 68 percent proficiency. Superintendent Collins stated that the District Staff will dedicate time to review and analyze data as schools return to work for the upcoming school year. KDWA has provided a link to Minnesota’s Report Card for comparison and independent fact finding. The testing results and much more will be topics of conversation as we begin year 14 of the Weekly Tim Collins Show that airs each Friday morning of the school year beginning at 9:10 am. Stay tuned for continued coverage of District 200 schools. Parents and community members can visit the Minnesota Department of Educations website for more information about statewide accountability, including full district results through their site, Minnesota Report Card.
Posted 08/12/16
