New test results show Nebraska public school students scored higher on their 2012 state reading and mathematics tests ― higher than in previous years.
Nearly three of every four students or 74.2 percent are meeting or exceeding state reading standards, compared to 68.6 percent in 2010.
The new mathematics test results show 67.4 percent of the students tested proficient, compared to 62.8 percent in 2011.
“Nebraska teachers and administrators will be pleased to see a growing number of students meeting the new, more rigorous learning expectations and scoring proficient on tougher tests,” said Education Commissioner Roger Breed. “Students are making progress, and we attribute that to Nebraska teachers who have a long history of helping their students meet higher learning expectations.”
This year’s baseline or first-year science test results showed 70 percent of the students were proficient. Science standards as well as the state’s science test have been revised, increasing the rigor of the standards and the tests with the goal of ensuring Nebraska students are career and college ready by the time they graduate from high school.
Here is a breakdown showing student progress:
| SUBJECT | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
| Reading | 68.6% | 71.8% | 74.2% |
| Mathematics | 62.8% | 67.4% | |
| Science | 66.9% | ||
| Writing | 73.3% |
Reading, mathematics, science and writing test results for districts and school buildings by grade level are available at www.education.ne.gov. Writing test results were released earlier in May.
The performance scores released today are considered the initial results since they could change slightly before the scores are final in November.
Students in grades three through eight and the 11th grade were tested last spring in reading and mathematics. More than 80 percent of those students as well as most of the 8th and 11 graders tested in writing took their tests online. Science tests were administered to students in grades 5, 8 and 11.
Parents will receive a report on their child’s scores from their local school district soon. Materials to help parents help their child with reading, mathematics, science and writing are available through the Nebraska Department of Education’s homepage at www.education.ne.gov.
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