Science NECAP Scores Drop Significantly At Hanaford, Eldredge

Science NECAP test scores for last year’s fourth graders at Hanaford and Eldredge elementary schools were markedly down, according to results released by the state last week. They pose a stark contrast to results from eighth graders at Cole Middle School and eleventh graders at East Greenwich High School.

Students took the test last spring.

At Hanaford, 55 percent of students scored proficient on the science NECAP, down 20 points from 2012. At Eldredge, 64 percent of students scored proficient, down 15 points from 2012.

The decline is especially steep when looking at figures for 2011 and 2010. The high point for both schools was 2011. Hanaford that year had 81 percent proficiency; Eldredge had 79.3 percent. Both schools dipped in 2012 – Hanaford to 75 percent and Eldredge to just under 78.7 percent.

Supt. Victor Mercurio said administrators were looking at both changes in the test itself and in the childrens’ performance.

“I have discussed the results with Dom [Giuisti, of Eldredge] and Beth [Cauley, of Hanaford] in order to get a better handle on the difference in scores,” Mercurio said via email. “The task this year involved changes to the number of manipulative pieces in the task as well as changes in the student booklet used to administer the test.”

He continued, “At first review, it seems that these changes created some impediments for students to demonstrate what they know and were able to do. In brief, we are looking at whether it was the difference in administration and materials or actual gaps in understanding. We are looking at both.”