Phila. School State Testing Results Plummet Compared To Last Year
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Results released Wednesday show state test scores are way down in Philadelphia schools. But the drop was expected.
Philadelphia school district students' scores dropped sharply over last year.
English proficiency dropped from 42 to 32 percent, and math proficiency plummeted from 45 to 17 percent.
But scores were down statewide, because of a tougher new exam that included more writing and problem-solving skills, says Philadelphia school district spokesman Fernando Gallard.
"We have PSSA results now that do mirror statewide trends." says Gallard. "And that is because this is a brand new test. It is a test that is more rigorous and follows the PA Core Standards."
The state also moved the "cut scores" -- the lines between the designations of "basic," proficient," and "advanced."
Gallard says the results don't support an apples-to apples comparison -- but they will be used as the baseline for future evaluations.