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TARRYTOWN, N.Y. Numbers recently released by the New York State Education Department show that students in grades three through eight in the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns are averaging at or slightly higher than scores deemed to be proficient, on math and English Language Arts (ELA) state tests.
In most grades on both the math and ELA tests, the percentage of proficient or better students ranged in the 50s and 60s, except in the seventh grade. For seventh-graders taking the math test, less than half, about 48 percent, met proficiency standards.
Tarrytown Superintendent Howard Smith noted that the scoring system had been changed so that they could only compare last years results with this years results. Smith said that in terms of growth and improved proficiency, Were pleased with that.
Smith later noted the school district has tried to be cautious of building an instruction model dependent on test preparedness.
We still really believe children are entitled to a well-rounded education, Smith said.
In math proficiency averages, Tarrytown students faired worse than the state average of 63 in grades four, six, and seven. Grade three averages were equal to the states 63. Eighth grade averages in the district were one point higher than the state average.
Smith said the school district had already identified math as a problem area and the district was going to take a look at ways to improve that area.
Smith noted that district students saw relatively strong ELA scores compared to state averages. Tarrytown students faired better in ELA proficient scores than the state average in all grades, except fifth, where both averages were 53 percent.
Because the district has a sizeable student population of English language learners, Smith said the scores were very positive and represented a lot of the work they do.
It reflects well on what we do, he said.
Basic standards indicate that students have a 75 percent change of earning a Regents score of 65, thus earning a Regents diploma. Students who meet proficient standards are said to be prepared for college, according to the Education Department, and are on track to receive college-ready scores on their Regents exams.
The Education Department broke down testing numbers into four groups: Level 1 is Below Standard. Level 2 is Meets Basic Standard. Level 3 is Meets Proficiency Standard. Level 4 is Exceeds Proficiency Standard.
The majority of students scored at level 2 or higher, although some individual grade percentages on both the ELA and math tests were above 10 percent. Grades 3 and 5 saw level 1 percentages on the ELA test nearing 20 percent.
The district averaged worse in both math and ELA than Westchester County except on the 8th grade ELA test.
Breaking down the numbers: percent of students receiving passing score:
3rd Grade Math ELA
TUFSD: 63 58
Westchester County: 68 66
State: 63 53
4th Grade Math ELA
TUFSD: 62 58
Westchester County: 74 68
State: 63 53
5th Grade Math ELA
TUFSD:: 59 53
Westchester County: 73 65
State: 63 53
6th Grade Math ELA
TUFSD: 59 55
Westchester County: 69 67
State: 63 53
7th Grade Math ELA
TUFSD: 48 56
Westchester County: 71 59
State: 63 53
8th Grade Math ELA
TUFSD: 64 60
Westchester County: 66 59
State: 63 53
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