Columbia County test results positive

The results of standardized tests released Tuesday show generally good marks for Columbia County pupils.

The county's fifth- and eighth-graders performed better than the national average on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, according to data presented to the school board.

The ITBS is a national assessment administered annually to fifth- and eighth-graders. It tests reading, language, math, social studies and science skills.

The lowest gain on the national average for fifth-graders was 15 points in math. The lowest improvement for eighth-graders was nine points in social studies.

Reading scores by fifth-graders slipped by six points compared with last year -- from 72 to 66 this year. However, that comparison is unfair, said Assistant Superintendent Deborah Franklin.

Testing in a sample group would explain such a drop, and next year will be a truer test of how well Columbia County pupils are performing compared with previous classes, she said.

"We are very cautious in examining these results," she told board members.

Still, Dr. Franklin said she hopes to use the results, in combination with other assessments such as the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test, to determine pupils' academic strengths and weaknesses.

"It helps to look at the results and make the necessary change to instruction where needed," she said. "(But) it's important to remember that ITBS is just one piece of the puzzle."

State ITBS scores were not immediately available Tuesday.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.