Austin Public Schools performed slightly below the state average on math and science on MCA-II tests this year, but did see a 1 percent gain from 2008 in math.

A requirement of the federal No Child Behind Act (NCLB) — an effort enacted in 2002 to increase accountability in schools — MCA-II tests gauge students’ performance from grades 3-11.

All schools must reach proficiency by 2014.

The Austin district improved 1 percent in math to 60 percent and fell 1 percent in reading to 69 percent, compared to the statewide averages of 64 percent in math and 72 percent in reading.

Math Reading

Banfield

Grade 3 80% 77%

Grade 4 76 76

Grade 5 60 69

Neveln

Grade 3 84 77

Grade 4 61 64

Grade 5 43 65

Southgate

Grade 3 80 73

Grade 4 84 74

Grade 5 75 71

Sumner

Grade 3 77 61

Grade 4 67 61

Grade 5 48 72

Ellis Middle School

Grade 6 55 68

Grade 7 69 68

Grade 8 67 78

Austin High School

Grade 10 — 72

Grade 11 41 —

ALC (total) 4 22

Bank School (total) 6 27

New Dominion (total) 11 30

Math and science scores in Minnesota have increased or held steady for most grades, with the biggest gain in 11th grade math, an 8 percent increase.

Although test scores are important, particularly with NCLB ramifications on the line, the Austin Public School District recognizes that they are not the only indicator of students’ comprehension and performance in the classroom.

“It does cause us to examine our practices in what we do,” said John Alberts, director of educational services, adding, “You can’t be too hypersensitive about the data.

“This is part of the equation,” he said. “This is merely a part of what we do.”

Testing is not new to school districts, but assessment of data to improve performance is addressed more than before.

“I do believe there is more of an awareness of assessment,” Alberts said. “Especially as there’s stakes attached to it.”

Adequate yearly progress (AYP) results will be released publicly Aug. 10. AYP standards must be met; if schools do not reach those standards in testing for several years in a row, they must enter into a restructuring plan.

Meeting AYP has put increased pressure on school districts as they struggle to obtain the standards. Last year, nearly half of the public and charter schools statewide were on the list of underperforming schools.

Only one school in Austin Public Schools met its AYP goal in 2008, Neveln Elementary. The Austin Area Learning Center has never made AYP; Austin High School did not make AYP for the third consecutive year; Sumner Elementary did not make AYP for the second consecutive year; and the remaining schools — Ellis Middle School, Southgate Elementary and Banfield Elementary — did not make AYP for the first time. Bank School and New Dominion School were not included in AYP data.