Local, area scores vary on ASPIRE tests

Arkansas High School’s Aspire test scores show ninth and tenth graders scored slightly below statewide averages in literacy, math and science.

However, Fouke and Genoa’s ninth and 10th graders scored above statewide literacy scores, according to results released earlier this month.

AHS officials are analyzing the scores of the end of year testing, now in its fourth year.

“We are currently reviewing the preliminary data from the state and it appears that many of our scores have remained steady,” Texarkana, Ark. School District Spokeswoman Genia Bullock said. “Administrators, along with the district curriculum team, will continue to delve deeper to analyze our scores to determine how we can improve and continue to work towards closing any gaps in achievement.”

Fouke and Genoa school officials could not be reached for comment.

For ninth graders statewide, the percentage of students who performed at or above appropriate achievement levels are:

■ 43.2 % in literacy

■ 35.8 % in math and

■ 35 % in science. To achieve the literacy number, English and reading scores were combined.

For tenth graders, the statewide average is:

■ 41.9 % for literacy,

■ 29.2 for math and

■ 33 percent for science. At Arkansas High School, the percentage of ninth graders performing at or above the desired achievement levels include:

■ 40.14, % in literacy.

■ 29.27 % for math and

■ 28.16 % for science. For tenth graders,

■ 37.45 % were at or above in literacy,

■ 27.9 % in math and

■ 25.86 % in science. At Fouke High School, the percentage of ninth graders achieving the desired level include:

■ 58.93 % in literacy,

■ 36.47 percent for math and

■ 41.18 percent for science. For tenth graders, that percentage is:

■ 54.79 for literacy,

■ 29.17 for math and

■ 30.56 for science. Genoa Central’s test results for ninth grade show:

■ 50 % are achieving appropriate levels in literacy,

■ 46.74 % in math and

■ 38.04 % in science. The percentage of tenth graders achieving the appropriate levels include:

■ 50.6 % in literacy,

■ 28.57 % for math and

■ 29.76 % in science. The scores are designed to make schools accountable for students‘ academic performance. This year‘s scores, combined with past years’ Aspire test results, also play a big role in determining districts’ federal Every Student Succeeds Act score. This federal score is then a determining factor in the state’s assignment of letter grades for each district.

Arkansas is the only state mandating the Aspire accountability test.