East County News Service
September 11, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--The new Smarter Balanced (SBAC) State test scores are now out. The tests are meant as a positive step forward in helping to ensure that students are prepared to enter the 21st century with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills required for success in college and careers, providing a benchmark for measuring progress in future years.
Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Ralf Swenson says of the GUHSD results, “I am pleased that our students scored at or above the State average on tests significantly more rigorous than the prior CST assessments. In mathematics — where the content standards have dramatically increased expectations of student skill and knowledge — District students scored four points higher than the State average.”
Overall, more than half (56%) of Grossmont students scored at or above the state average in English, among 11th graders measured. A third (33%) beat the state average in math, however two-thirds (67%) did not meet the state average in math and 44% did not meet the state average in English. The district has a high percentage of English as a second language students, including many immigrants.
Swenson says these results stem from “extensive preparation, including on-going work of our teachers to develop new curriculum and devise new instructional strategies to prepare students for success in the 21st century.” That includes the district’s “Future Forward” and more to help students work in an increasingly technical environment.
The Future Forward program equips students with skills needed for the 21st Century through the use of four C’s: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Every student uses a digital device to engage in real-world work done by professionals such as scientists, engineers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, authors, and more.
The new Smarter Balanced tests measure critical thinking with questions that require students to demonstrate research, writing, and problem solving using interactive test questions and constructed responses, the District reports.
Preparation for new tests has included investment in more than 10,000 digital devices, additional internet bandwidth, and extensive teacher training, helping Grossmont and other districts to assess the district’s goals and effectiveness.
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