Tags: Ocean and Climate Literacy, Alaska K-12 Science Education
More Alaska students scored proficient on science assessments when tested in April, 2010. More also tested proficient in math and reading but fewer tested proficient in writing.
The fourth-grade science score increased from 46.4 % proficient or above in 2009 to 49.2 % in 2010, the eighth-grade score increased from 54.9 % to 56.1, and the tenth-grade score increased from 62.9% to 64%. The statewide math score increased from 68.6% to 71.1% and the reading score went from 79.5% to 81.9% while the writing score went from 75.9% to 74.1%.
"Congratulations to Alaska's family and educators for improvements we see this year," said Alaska Education Commissioner Larry LeDoux. "But we have a long way to go to achieve our goals. Improvement will take place along a continuum from early learning to graduating students prepared to be successful in postsecondary studies and careers. Success will be based on partnerships between parents, schools, and communities."
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as "leave no child behind") requires states to assess students in science in grades 4,8, and 10. However, those assessment are not part of the federal accountability system.
- Alaska Department of Education and Early Childhood Development press release
