Results from Austin Public Schools MCA-II testing show students in grades 3-8 and 10-11 are performing on par with last year — at or slightly below the state average.

According to John Alberts, director of educational services, “We’re looking at the majority of our grades increasing.”

For example, more grade 5 students passed the math portion with proficiency than they did last year in grade 4.

Also, grade 10 students scored well on the GRAD component of reading, a vital requirement they must meet with profiency to graduate from high school.

Testing may not be the No. 1 indicator of a student’s success in school, and too much emphasis may be placed on testing, but with the No Child Left Behind mandates, districts are on the line for funding when it comes to scores.

Austin Public Schools is on the right track for success, and the district is working this summer on strategies to continue that improvement.