Eighth-Graders Score Low in New Ala. Standardized Tests

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – New standardized tests show that half of Alabama eighth-graders aren’t meeting reading and math standards

The Department of Education on Thursday announced the results of the ACT Aspire assessments that students took in the spring.

Only 29 percent of eighth-graders were considered ready or exceeding math standards. Forty-eight percent were ready or exceeding reading standards. The rest were classified as close to meeting standards or in need of support.

Alabama Superintendent Tommy Bice said the low scores do not mean student performance is slipping. He said previous expectations were too low. Bice said the tests are a better reflection of what students should know.

Fifty-two percent of third-graders were considered ready or exceeding math standards. However, only 35 percent of third-graders were classified as ready or exceeding standards in reading.

 

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