by Alissa Skelton
The Crete News

Norm-Referenced Test results for the 2009-2010 academic year show that Crete students in grades 4-8 are excelling in social studies and science.

The average student placed above the 50th percentile or higher in both areas.

Scores have fluctuated in all subjects, especially in reading and mathematics, which is perplexing to Kyle McGowan, the district’s superintendent. McGowan wants all students to score above the 50th percentile.

“With the Norm-Referenced Test we are not seeing consistent gains in every subject,” McGowan said. “It’s frustrating.”

Norm-Referenced Testing is a process in which student scores are compared to a “norm” group of students tested at the same grade level. They differ from the criterion-reference tests in which scores are calculated base on a criteria needed for passing.

A new curriculum was implemented in the 2007-08 academic year to help struggling students. Students started spending more time reading in the classroom in 2008-09. Valorie Foy, director of instruction for Crete Public Schools, said it takes three to five years to know the impact of new curriculums.

“Scores go up and down, but what we look for are trends,” Foy said.

Crete Public Schools has a larger hurdle to jump. The district’s greatest struggle is getting English Language Learner proficient in the English language. About 16 percent of Crete students are ELL.

“We are proactive in helping students acquire language skills,” Foy said.

Fluency improvement will increase Crete’s Norm-Referenced testing scores, Foy said. McGowan is confident that scores will improve with a lot of hard work.  

“It’s important to have high expectations for all students,” McGowan said. “Poverty and lack of language fluency will never be an excuse for us.”

Another obstacle for the school district is student mobility. Crete has a 12 percent mobility rate. Teachers need time to have an affect on new students, McGowan said.

“We need to learn how to support transitions with students moving from one school to the next,” Foy said.

Crete Schools has more to focus on than the Norm-Referenced Test. Starting this year the district is required to take the Nebraska State Assessment. McGowan and Foy think students should take multiple tests to keep a balanced testing system.  

Foy said it is important for students to be tested on Crete’s curriculum and compared to students in the state and nationally.

Administrators said they believe scores in every subject will improve. While teachers are giving ELL students extra attention, Foy said teachers are improving instruction for all students.

“We have the resources to provide the top education,” McGowan said. “We need to push to make sure every student succeeds.”