Test scores in English and mathematics are continuing to improve in the Hattiesburg Public School District, Superintendent Dr. Robert Williams said after the state Department of Education released results recently.
“We are pleased to see the overall increase in our proficiency scores in both math and reading for the third consecutive year,” he said. “As a result of the hard work and dedication of our staff and students, we have increased the number of students performing at or above grade level.”
Statewide, test results show student achievement has reached an all-time high in English Language Arts and mathematics. The 2018-19 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program measures student performance in ELA and mathematics in grades 3-8 and in high school English II and Algebra I.
Williams said Hattiesburg schools will be focusing on strengthening the weaker spots.
Hattiesburg Schools Superintendent Robert Williams
“Any areas of concern will be addressed through strategic action steps from each school,” he said. “We have provided additional reinforcements to our high school to support instruction and student learning.”
“Mississippi students are outpacing the nation in learning gains thanks to their hard work and the hard work of teachers, school staff, school leaders, and parents,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “Education in Mississippi is part of our state’s success story.”
MAAP tests have five levels. Students scoring at Levels 4 and 5 are considered proficient or advanced in the subject.
In Hattiesburg, test scores in the proficient and advanced results combined by subject were:
Third-grade English (District, 38.5 percent) – Grace Christian, 43.2 percent; Hawkins, 29.7 percent; Rowan, 36.5 percent; Thames, 40.2 percent; Woodley, 40.3 percent.
Fourth-grade English (District, 46.8 percent) – Grace Christian, 49.2 percent; Hawkins, 38.1 percent; Rowan, 38.7 percent; Thames, 53.0 percent; Woodley, 48.8 percent.
Fifth-grade English (District, 39.2 percent) – Grace Christian, 33.9 percent; Hawkins, 36.4 percent; Rowan, 39.5 percent; Thames, 40.3 percent; Woodley, 44.7 percent.
Sixth-grade English (District, 20.3 percent) – Burney STEAM Academy, 20.6 percent.
Seventh-grade English (District, 31.7 percent) – N.R. Burger Middle, 31.8 percent.
Eighth-grade English (District, 23.8 percent) – N.R. Burger Middle, 23.8 percent.
English II (District, 27.1 percent) – Hattiesburg High, 27.1 percent.
Third-grade Math (District, 45.8 percent) – Grace Christian, 68.8 percent; Hawkins, 33.4 percent; Rowan, 32.5 percent; Thames, 30.6 percent; Woodley, 59.7 percent.
Fourth-grade Math (District, 33.4 percent) – Grace Christian, 20.9 percent; Hawkins, 45.2 percent; Rowan, 33.0 percent; Thames, 34.1 percent; Woodley, 40.2 percent.
Fifth-grade Math (District, 32.3 percent) – Grace Christian, 18.5 percent; Hawkins, 50.0 percent; Rowan, 40.8 percent; Thames, 13.5 percent; Woodley, 43.3 percent.
Sixth-grade Math (District, 35.9 percent) – Burney STEAM Academy, 36.3 percent.
Seventh-grade Math (District, 33.9 percent) – N.R. Burger Middle, 33.9 percent.
Algebra I (District, 33.1 percent) – Hattiesburg High, 33.1 percent.