ISTEP scores for FWCS

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - 57 percent of FWCS students in Grades three through eight passed the English portion of the test. 60 percent of those students passed the Math portion of the test.

Both well below the state average and even further below the Adequate Yearly Progress goal which is part of the "No Child Left Behind Act." This test does not count toward AYP, but by 2013-2014, 100 percent of students have to pass ISTEP.

"The release of this data while interesting plays only one part of the overall evaluation of where we are going," said Mark GiaQuinta, FWCS Board President.

This is considered a baseline year. The results of the first spring test cannot be compared, but FWCS is measuring itself against similar districts.

"Are they doing something that we're not doing, are we doing something that may cause us to have success in a certain area," said Dr. Wendy Robinson, FWCS Superintendent.

FWCS continues to use its balanced scorecard as the best way to evaluate student achievement.

"The more important aspect of our direction which is continuous improvement," said GiaQuinta. 

WIth that in mind Dr. Wendy Robinson says there are pockets of excellence in these results. But even one below average score is unacceptable.

"We dont take any comfort in that unless we feel like we have absolutely maximized proper instruction for every student," said Dr. Robinson.

State Superintendent Dr. Tony Bennett says these results remind us there is much work to be done.