Much like results across the state, Kentucky Summative Assessment (formerly K-PREP) scores for Marion County Public Schools reflected the significant impact the pandemic and fewer days of in-person learning had on student test scores.
Across the board, MCPS scored near or above state averages; although, in several areas, fewer than fifty percent of students scored at the proficient or distinguished levels.
“These results show the importance of coming to school, the importance of in-person learning, and the importance of teacher-student relationships, all of which were hampered over the past year,” MCPS Assistant Superintendent Troy Benningfield said. “These scores aren’t where we want them, but I feel confident in saying they don’t accurately represent what our students are capable of or the job our teachers are doing. They do, however, reflect the tremendous impact the pandemic had on public education.”
As many education leaders across the state have noted, last year’s tests should not be used in comparison to previous years for several reasons including that the test format, length, and standards being tested were different.
“While I don’t think these scores are a good indicator of the work happening in this district, I would say they provide some value in recognizing student achievement gaps, which we can continue to address,” Benningfield said.
He also stressed that standardized testing in general isn’t the lone way to measure a school district.
“This is a district that has never allowed standardized test scores to define our success,” Benningfield added. “In fact, much of what separates our district from others are those programs and initiatives that have a benefit that cannot be measured by a test. Things like our student leadership programs, our students’ access to technology, and the community outreach initiatives we’ve implemented. And we have tremendous teachers in this district that worked heroically during perhaps the most difficult time in public education.”
Benningfield encouraged parents to take a close look at the individual student test score reports when they become available.
“We want parents to take the time to review those individual results when they receive them, and we want to make sure we’re offering the support so that they can make sense of them,” Benningfield said. “That’s key in forming productive relationships with parents so that we can all work toward improving student achievement.”
The charts below show the percentage of students scoring proficient or distinguished at each grade level for MCPS and the state as a whole.
