Statewide ISTEP+ scores improve

Statewide ISTEP+ scores improve

Seven local districts beat average

Posted: Sunday, August 3, 2014 11:00 pm | Updated: 8:30 am, Mon Aug 4, 2014.

From staff reports

Students in seven of northeast Indiana’s 13 public school districts surpassed or tied the state average for passing both math and English portions of ISTEP+ achievement tests this spring, state officials revealed today.

Among five local private schools, three exceeded the overall state rate for passing both portions of the test. Two did better than the average for Indiana private schools.

The rates reflect the combined results of students in grades 3-8.

The Indiana Department of Education said the results show increased scores throughout subject areas at the statewide level.

Local public school districts beating or tying the state average of 74.7 percent passing, listed with their rates, were Fremont 78.5 percent, Westview 77.8, Prairie Heights 77.7, DeKalb Central 76.5, Central Noble 75.7, Smith-Green 75.4 and MSD Steuben 74.7.

Saint Joseph School in Garrett recorded the highest passing rate among private schools in the area, with 90 percent. Saint Mary School in Avilla achieved an 84.7 percent passing rate, also beating the state average of 83.3 percent for all private schools. Beating the statewide rate for all schools were St. John Lutheran School of Kendallville at 78 percent and Lakewood Park Christian School of Auburn at 77.8 percent.

The Indiana Department of Education released the rates over the weekend, and local school administrators could not be reached for comment immediately.

The Department of Education said the results show increased scores throughout subject areas at the statewide level. It said 80.7 percent of Indiana students passed the English-language arts portion of the test, up from 79.5 percent in 2013. In math, 83.5 percent passed, up from 83.0 percent in 2013. Overall, 74.7 percent of Indiana students passed both English-language arts and math, up from 73.7 percent last year.

“This year, we saw yet another increase in student performance indicated through ISTEP,” said Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz. “I want to congratulate Indiana’s students, parents, teachers and administrators for all their hard work this past year. These increased scores are just one sign of the great learning that is happening in Indiana Schools.”