NECAP Scores Steadily Improving

Across the board, North Kingstown students are making steady increases on their NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program) test scores. Superintendent Phil Auger and Asst. Superintendent Michelle Humbyrd presented last fall’s scores, which tested third, eighth and eleventh graders across the state, to the North Kingstown School Committee at its Tuesday meeting.

According to Humbyrd, North Kingstown is one of 13 districts in Rhode Island that has shown “statistically significant” gains in both reading and math from 2008 to 2012. North Kingstown was also one of eight districts that showed a significant improvement in writing scores across all three levels – elementary, middle and high school.

In reading, North Kingstown students scored at 87 percent proficiency, up a point from last year and 9 points since 2008’s test. The state average for reading is at 73 percent.

In math, proficiency jumped to 75 percent from 71 last year. The state average is 57 percent.

In writing, NK students made big gains, jumping from 66 to 72 percent proficiency over last year – well above the state average of 55 percent.

Administrators were particularly proud of improvements made at Fishing Cove Elementary School. Last year, Fishing Cove had been labeled as a warning school. During this year’s testing, Fishing Cove made gains in all content areas, including 10 percent in math and 11 percent in writing.

“We’re very pleased to say that gains they have made this year have been really incredible,” said Humbyrd.

Starting in the 2014 school year, the State Department of Education (RIDE) will begin mandating that students have to score partially proficient on the NECAP reading and math to receive a high school diploma. This year, eight students failed to hit the mark in reading while another 59 in math scored less than proficient. Last year, those numbers were 7 and 74, respectively. According to Humbyrd, students who are not proficient and do not pass the NECAP will retake the test as seniors.