Canton Eighth Grade Math Test Results Scrutinized

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

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By SUSAN MENDE

CANTON — Only 50 percent of Canton Central School's eighth-graders passed their state math assessment last school year, according to data shared Thursday with the school board.

Statewide, 55 percent of eighth-graders passed the state math test by achieving a score of 3 or 4. A score of 1 or 2 is considered failing.

School Superintendent William A. Gregory said educators are still reviewing data and it's not clear yet why so many eighth-graders failed.

"We still have quite a bit of analysis to do," Mr. Gregory told school board members. "A lot of factors can go into it."

He noted that state education officials implemented tougher grading standards for last year's tests compared with prior years. As a result, the percentage of passing grades had dropped, not only in Canton, but in some other districts.

Mr. Gregory's presentation showed Canton's test results for grades three to eight as well as high school Regents exam results and graduation rates.

The outcomes were shared with the district's faculty Wednesday during their in-service day. Students return to school Tuesday to start their new school year.

With the exception of eighth-grade math, Canton students met or exceeded statewide passing averages on English and math tests in grades three to eight.

The passing scores for Regents exams also surpassed state averages in all subject areas, including math, English, history, sciences and foreign languages.

"Overall, the report is encouraging," Mr. Gregory said.

The same group of eighth-graders did slightly better on last year's English test than on their math test. The results show 61 percent of the students passed, compared with the 53 percent state average.

In last year's senior class, 90 students from the 119-member class graduated. Eleven received their General Educational Development certificate, and six are continuing their high school education.

A total of 12 dropped out, representing a 10 percent dropout rate.

Statewide, the percentage of graduates earning Regents or Advanced Regents diplomas last school year was 81 percent, compared with Canton's 88 percent.