New NC state test scores released. See grades for Charlotte-area school districts
Union County Public Schools outperformed other Charlotte-area districts and scored well above the statewide proficiency rate, according to state test data the Department of Public Instruction released Wednesday.
UCPS had the highest passing rate among nine districts around Charlotte at 69.3%, ranking it second in the state. Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools topped all public school districts with a 71.1% proficiency rate on state exams for the 2022-23 academic year.
“The educators in UCPS are dynamic, and they are to be commended for these strong gains and so much more,” UCPS Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said. “This data is a result of the proven strategies that we know are working for our students. We have seen improvements each year since the pandemic. It has not been easy, but our teachers, principals and administrators are doing an amazing job providing high-quality instruction every day.”
The annual release of test scores includes a state-mandated A through F letter grade given to public schools. The school grades are based 80% on passing rates on exams and 20% on student growth on the tests.
The statewide proficiency rate was 53.6%. It’s up from 51.2% passing in the 2021-22 school year and the 45.4% proficiency rate in the 2020-21 school year. Students who are proficient demonstrate a sufficient understanding of grade-level content, according to the state.
Union County’s proficiency rate was more than a 2% increase from its rate the prior year, and it saw 23 of its schools exceed growth targets on the state exams. UCPS had 28 receiving A or B performance grades and only one school receiving an F grade.
“We are on the right track, but there is still room for improvement,” Houlihan said. “We will focus on continuous growth at all levels, and pay close attention to our middle schools and subject areas that had a decrease.”
Test scores around the Charlotte area continue to improve, although passing rates remain largely below pre-pandemic levels.
UCPS’ pre-pandemic passing rate was 73.6%.
Cabarrus, Lincoln schools improve
Cabarrus County and Lincoln County schools had passing rates of 60.9% and 60.8%, respectively. Both districts’ students performed higher than last year.
In Cabarrus County, Harold E. Winkler improved its grade-level proficiency by 13% from last year. Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College, Cox Mill Elementary, Cox Mill High, Harris Road Middle, Hickory Ridge Middle and W.R. Odell Elementary received A grades.
In Lincoln County, Love Memorial Elementary exceeded growth and improved grade-level proficiency by 9%.
Gaston, Mooresville improve
Mooresville Graded Schools had passing rates of 59%; Iredell-Statesville had passing rates of 55.3%; and Gaston County had passing rates of 50.2%. Iredell-Statesville scores stayed mostly flat from last year, while Mooresville City and Gaston County improved.
Iredell-Statesville School in a news release said the fact that 19 of its 37 schools met or exceeded growth and that 25 schools improved their overall growth score is encouraging for district leaders. They’re “a clear indication of great work happening around Iredell-Statesville Schools.”
“Every time I walk into one of our schools, I witness our teachers, students, and staff members working incredibly hard to offer individualized instruction to each of our 20,000 students. I am excited to celebrate the accomplishments both in performance and growth,” said Iredell-Statesville Superintendent Jeff James.
In Gaston, Bessemer City High proficiency rates increased by 13% from a year ago, and three schools earned A performance grades: Gaston Early College High, Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences and Highland School of Technology.
The percentage of students in Gaston County Schools scoring at or above grade level (achieving proficiency) on end-of-grade and end-of-course tests is higher in all tested areas except for eighth grade science, according to a news release. The most notable improvements in the district came in elementary school math and science, middle school reading, and high school math and biology.
“We have taken some positive steps in improving student achievement, and we continue to gain ground on learning loss that occurred because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our schools,” Gaston Superintendent Stephen Law said. “We realize there are some areas that need considerable attention – no doubt, we have work to do.”
Kannapolis, Rowan-Salisbury scores dip
Kannapolis City Schools and Rowan-Salisbury Schools both had passing rates below their performance for the 2021-22 school year. Of Kannapolis City students, 35.4% passed state exams, while 33.7% of Rowan-Salisbury students passed.
This story was originally published September 6, 2023 at 10:51 AM.
