Published: July 16, 2008 09:57 am         

Allegany, Garrett show marked improvement on Maryland School Assessment

CUMBERLAND - The 2008 Maryland School Assessment results show that reading and math scores in Allegany and Garrett counties have improved in almost every grade level.

Throughout Maryland, scores on the assessments, which are given to third- through eighth-grade students, rose in every system, grade and subgroup, according to the Maryland State Department of Education, which released the results Tuesday.

In Allegany County, students scored at or above state proficiency levels in all areas except third-grade reading and math and sixth-grade reading. In Garrett County, students scored at or above state proficiency levels in all areas except fifth-grade math.

Reading scores in Allegany County improved from 2007 to 2008 in all grades, and math scores improved in all grades except sixth grade.

Allegany County Board of Education member Jeff Metz is pleased with the improvements.

"We want to thank our teachers for the hard work they provided to produce these results," said Metz. "We have taken some systematic steps such as the implementation of reading and mathematics specialists, and that is starting to pay dividends, and we will continue to work toward improving our scores."

In Garrett County, reading scores improved from 2007 to 2008 in all grades, and math scores improved in all grades expect fifth grade.

Since the assessments were implemented in 2003, scores have increased throughout the state. Allegany County scores have improved in all grade levels for the fifth consecutive year. County scores have shown steady improvements across most racial categories and for students who receive special services including special education, limited English proficiency and free and reduced meals.

"Hard work in the classroom and strong grade-by-grade standards are really paying off for Maryland students, thanks to their efforts as well as those of principals and teachers," said state Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick. "Our vibrant Voluntary State Curriculum has given birth to creative and consistent instructional programs. These scores tell us that schools are improving in every corner of the state."

Statewide, reading proficiency at the elementary grades has risen more than 24 percentage points since 2003, while elementary math proficiency has increased by nearly 24 points as well. Middle school reading proficiency has increased 18.6 percentage points since 2003, and math proficiency has risen nearly 29 points.

MSA scores are used to meet federal No Child Left Behind legislation, which established the goal of having all students score at proficiency levels on state tests by 2014.

The 2008 High School Assessment scores and the Adequate Yearly Progress results will be released later this summer.

Contact Jennifer Raley at jraley@times-news.com.