STAR Test results show student scores are up across the state and here at home

Posted: Aug 15, 2011 5:27 PM by Danielle Lerner
Updated: Aug 15, 2011 9:20 PM

These are tough times for education as budget cuts continue taking their toll on schools across the state. Still, a new report shows student test scores are up from last year.

The STAR Test results are in. Statewide 54 percent of students grades two through 11 scored proficient or advanced in English-Language Arts, and 50 percent scored proficient or advanced in Math. That is the highest score since testing started in 2003.

Students are tested in four categories and overall, scores are up from last year in every category for both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County.

In San Luis Obispo County, 61 percent scored proficient or advanced in English-Language Arts, 55 percent in Math, 63 percent in Science and 54 percent in History. Proficient is the equivalent of a B+ letter grade.

Students in San Luis Obispo County also scored higher than the state average in each subject, something Superintendent of Schools Dr. Julian Crocker says is especially impressive considering this tough economic climate.

"There are three factors for student success," Dr. Crocker said. "What we do in school, what families do at home, and what the community does to support students, so if we're having results in the right direction it means that all three of those are working together."

Students in Santa Barbara County also scored higher than last year, but its numbers are below the state average with the exception of Math. That number was 49.7 percent, compared to the state's 50 percent.

These numbers come as schools across the state continue to work toward that federal mandate requiring 100 percent of students be at proficiency or above by 2014.

The report also breaks down the numbers by district or school. You can view a complete copy of the results for San Luis Obispo County click here, Santa Barbara County click here.