State ACT Aspire test scores show increases

LITTLE ROCK — Results from the ACT Aspire during the

2016-17 school year reflect statistically significant increases in the percentage of Arkansas students who met readiness benchmarks in multiple grades and subject areas, according to the Arkansas Department of Education.

The largest increases occurred in sixth-grade and eighthgrade math and writing. Gains occurred in writing for grades

4-8, with a 21.72 percent increase in fifth grade.

English Language Arts averages reflect statistically significant increases, particularly for fourth grade. The ADE said gains in writing could be attributed to an extension of time on the writing portion, schools adapting to the new online testing format, high-quality professional development and classroom instruction specifically in the area of writing.

“These results are a positive reflection of the work of our dedicated educators,” said ADE Commissioner Johnny Key. “The increase in Arkansas’ scores can be attributed to the full implementation of the state’s rigorous education standards, high-quality professional development, and innovative and evidence-based teaching practices in the classroom that encourage student engagement and learning.”

Approximately 288,000 students in grades 3-10 participated in the assessments. Every Arkansas school tested online with the exception of students who required paper assessments as an accommodation.

The ACT Aspire is administered as five separate assessments: English, reading, writing, math and science. The results also include scores for English Language Arts — compiled from an average of the English, reading and writing scores — science, technology, engineering and math, which is an average of math and science.

“While we are pleased with the improvement, we must expect more,” Key said. “The data shows we have work to do and we will collaborate with Arkansas educators to determine how we can drive continuous improvement. We are confident that if we set high expectations for our students and provide support to our educators, Arkansas will demonstrate stronger results in the years to come.”

The scoring rubrics and readiness benchmarks did not change in 2017. Responses were scored under the same criteria as in the first year of the test’s administration.

Districts will have the opportunity to make corrections to their student data prior to accountability reports being published. The resulting Elementary and Secondary Education Act Accountability Reports will become part of the data incorporated in the accountability plan required by ESEA’s reauthorization, the Every Student Succeeds Act. Approved ESEA data corrections also will be used on the School Performance Report Card, for the Arkansas School Recognition Program, and to determine if schools and/or districts meet criteria for removal from Priority or Focus status.