Students in Newton County’s three public school districts sat down last month to take the third-grade reading assessment to prove their merit and pass on to fourth grade. This year, however, third graders had a little bit more to contend with as the Mississippi Department of Education’s new benchmark went into effect, forcing students to hit a higher goal than their peers.
State testing results in Mississippi range from 1-5, with one being the lowest and five being the highest score attainable. In previous years, third-grade students had to score at least a two to pass on to fourth grade. This year, however, students needed at least a three on the scale.
At the state-level, 74.5 percent of third graders achieved the three-or-higher score needed to pass. That is down from 93.2 percent in 2018, with many attributing the decline to the higher benchmark.
Here is a look at how Newton County Schools performed:
Newton County School District:
Third graders at Newton County Elementary School did not let a little thing like benchmark goals dampen their spirits as 92.5 percent of students passed the third grade reading assessment on their first attempt and earning the second highest score in the state on this year’s exam.
NCSD Superintendent J.O. Amis said he was proud of all the hard work and preparation students put into passing their tests.
“We knew they would do well,” he said.
Jason Roberson, principal at NCES, said the teachers started preparing for the new goal almost 2-years ago through multi-year teaching, or “looping.” With looping, he said, students stayed with the same teacher they had in second grade, making the transition easier and giving teachers more time to prepare the students for the exam.
“They took the challenge,” he said. “The seven teachers, they all took ownership of the entire grade, not just their class.”
Roberson said the district begins preparing students for the third-grade reading gate in kindergarten, ensuring every child receives the lessons necessary to perform well.
“The foundation is laid early,” he said.
However, Amis said, the teachers and staff at NCSD are only part of the equation. From the parents reading to their children at home to the janitors keeping the school buildings clean, he said every person in the students’ lives has played a part in helping prepare them for their test.
On behalf of Newton County School District, Amis said he wanted to thank all parents, community members, teachers, support staff and administration for their efforts in educating the students.
Union Public School District:
Union Public School District students struggled a bit on the new third-grade assessment, with 72.9 percent passing on the first attempt. That is down from more than 95 percent who passed in 2018.
Superintendent Tyler Hansford said the teachers and administration spent the last few weeks of the year identifying areas where students struggled and helping them learn the material for the two retests.
“We know we’ve got some things to improve on,” he said.
However, Hansford said, students are allowed three attempts to pass the exam and pass on to third grade. The second test was held earlier this month, and, though the scores have not been released, he was confident more students would meet the requirements for fourth grade.
“I think we’ll see some more pass on that,” he said.
UPSD also began the school year with some restructuring in second grade to better prepare students for the third-grade reading assessment, Hansford said.
“We’re making sure they’re ready before they ever set foot in third grade,” he said.
Newton Municipal School District:
Third graders at Newton Elementary School also struggled on this year’s third grade reading assessment, with 60.8 percent of students passing on their first attempt. That is down about 19 percent from 2018, when 89 percent of third graders scored proficient or above on the first try.
Superintendent Nola Bryant did not return requests for comment by press time.
