Continued elementary and middle school reading improvement was recorded on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) in 2011, with elementary school reading nearing 90 percent proficiency on a statewide basis, according to data released today by the Maryland State Department of Education. Middle school mathematics scores also recorded gains, the data reveal.
The percentage of elementary students scoring at the proficient levels in reading increased from 86.9 percent in 2010 to 88 percent in 2011. At the middle school level, the percentage students scoring at the proficient levels in reading improved from 82.8 percent last year to 83.5 percent in 2011. The percentage of elementary students scoring at the proficient range in mathematics was little changed, moving from 86.5 percent to 86.3 percent, while at the middle school level, the percentage of students scoring in the proficient ranges jumped from 72.6 percent to 73.7 percent.
The scores continue the steady progress made over the past eight years. Composite elementary reading scores have increased 26 points since 2003, while mathematics scores are up 26.3 points. Composite middle school reading scores are up 23.6 points since 2003, and mathematics has increased a dramatic 34 points.
“This year’s MSA results demonstrate the progress our number-one ranked public schools are making in academic achievement,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our educators, students and parents, we can sustain and build upon the gains we’ve made for every student and every school in Maryland.”
Many Maryland schools are reaching the 90 percent proficiency level in both reading and mathematics, making additional progress difficult. Under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, all students must be scoring at proficient levels by 2014.
“Our schools continue to pay attention to strengthening instruction for all students, as this year’s results clearly indicate,” said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick. “Not only are we seeing more students reaching proficiency, but more of our students are hitting the ‘advanced&rs