NEWBERRY — Dr. Lynn Cary, assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, presented test data from the Spring of 2016 to the Newberry County School Board.
“The state is looking at having a goal of 90 percent of all students at the ‘Approaches, meets or exceeds’ level by 2030,” Cary said.
In English Language Arts, the district averaged 74.7 percent for third grade, 70.9 percent for fourth grade, 69.4 percent for fifth grade, 76.2 percent for sixth grade, 77.7 percent for seventh grade and 74.8 percent for eighth grade.
For math, the district averaged 78.3 percent for third grade, 78.1 percent for fourth grade, 77.1 for fifth grade, 74.7 percent for sixth grade, 79.5 percent for fourth grade and 72.8 percent for eighth grade.
For science, the district averaged 63.4 percent for fourth grade, 58.5 percent for fifth grade, 59.2 percent for sixth grade, 67.6 percent for fourth grade and 64 percent for eighth grade.
In social studies, the district averaged 82.3 percent for the fourth grade, 68.8 percent for fifth grade, 81.6 percent for sixth grade, 71.9 percent for seventh grade and 72.4 percent for eighth grade.
“If the goal does stay at ‘Approaches, meets or exceeds’ at 90 percent by 2030 we have a way to go, but we are well on our way too. It is something that is not unattainable. It is not like the days of No Child Left Behind where everybody had to be proficient 100 percent by a certain time frame,” Cary said. “You can see in some cases we are almost there.”
For the high schools, Cary presented the percentage of students passing the End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP). For Algebra I the district average was 80.1 percent, 72.1 percent for Biology, 71.4 percent for English I and 50.1 percent for U.S. History.
“This is the second year we have had all juniors take it. That is a requirement, whether their intent is to go to college or not, everybody is taking it, even our students with disabilities,” Cary said.
The average scale score for the district was 15 in English, 17.3 in math, 17 in reading, 17.5 in science and 14.4 in writing.
In WorkKeys testing, an average of 84.5 percent of students received National Career Readiness Certificate.
Cary also presented the graduation rate, and in 2016 the graduation rate for Newberry County was 84.3 percent.
Other business
• Mid-Carolina Middle School student Jacob Bearden was recognized for winning first place in the 3D category at the South Carolina State Fair. Bearden is a seventh grade student. His winning piece was made from pottery spun on a kick wheel.
• Dr. William Buford of Twin Oaks Animal Hospital was recognized. Buford, a member of the Zoetis Industry Support Program, provided a donation made from Zoetis on their behalf. The Future Farmers of America at the Newberry County Career Center received $402.34 through Buford’s work.
• The Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year reception will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at Newberry Middle School.
