October 15, 2015
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) will release and discuss the 2014-15 statewide and district test scores in English II and Algebra I for high schools during a special-called meeting of the Mississippi Board of Education.
The Board is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov.5. The location will be announced at a later date.
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) released test scores for English language arts and mathematics to states in two phases. MDE received final high school data files on Oct. 14, and the preliminary file for grades 3-8 on Oct.15. Prior to public release, the MDE requires a minimum of 30 days from the time it receives the last data set from PARCC to ensure the quality of the information.
According to PARCC’s timeline, the MDE is expected to receive final data for grades 3-8 in late October or early November. The results for grades 3-8 are scheduled to be discussed at the Board of Education’s regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 17.
The results are expected to show the number of students considered ready for college and careers will be low because students must reach a higher bar than on former state tests. As with any change in standards and assessments, there is a period of transition as students adjust to higher expectations.
Test results provide information about a student’s performance on a given day, and state tests are one measure teachers use to determine if students are learning what they need to learn.
“While no single test can give a complete picture of achievement, when combined with student grades and teacher reports, the state’s year-end tests provide important information about student progress in mastering higher standards of learning,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.
Districts are scheduled to receive individual paper take-home reports for high school students in early November, while student score reports for elementary and middle school students are expected to arrive in districts by late November.
According to PARCC, students scoring Level 4 or 5 are meeting or exceeding expectations. The scores suggest that students have a thorough understanding of grade-level content and are on the right track to being ready for college-level coursework. Students scoring at Level 3 are approaching expectations and know a significant amount of content, but may need additional assistance in mastering all aspects of the standards. Students scoring a Level 1 or 2 need more assistance in learning the content and are in need of greater supports.
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Communications Specialist
601-359-3519