The state today released the results of the first ACT Aspire test measuring students in grade 3-10 in English, math, reading, writing and science. Eleventh grade ACT scores were released last week.

It’s the third standardized test in as many years and is important because proficiency on the test is the measure by which schools may be judged as succeeding or failing academically. The state took over the Little Rock School District, for example, because six of its 48 schools failed to have half their students achieve proficient test scores.

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Almost 290,000 students in grades 3-10 took the tests statewide. The result will provide some comparison next year, though in theory they shouldn’t be compared with last year’s proficiency rates on a different test. The overall scores show improvement is needed, if the tests are a measure.

Statewide, this percentage of students met readiness benchmarks:

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• English: 68 percent

• Math: 43 percent

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• Reading: 39 percent

• Science: 38 percent

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• Writing: 30 percent

A state release elaborated:

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Readiness benchmarks for each subject area are divided into four performance levels. Students scoring in the Exceeding and Ready benchmark ranges met the readiness level in that subject area. Students who score in the Close or In Need of Support range are in need of additional assistance in those subject areas. The grade-level scale score ranges for each subject area are available in the Benchmark Score Ranges section under the Data Resources Tab in the ACT Aspire – Score Reporting LiveBinder on the ADE website:

The preliminary school and district aggregate scores are subject to review and possible appeal from school districts. Final, post-appeal results for schools and districts will be available in early fall. 

Student scores will be distributed in the fall. 

Scores by state, district and school are available here.

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