About one in five Churchill County students in grades three through eight met state standards in mathematics last school year. Fewer than three in 10 met the standards in English language arts, according to newly released state test results.
Churchill County's math proficiency rate was 21%, compared with 36.2% statewide. The local English language arts rate was 28.6%, compared with 45.2% statewide.
Students are counted as proficient when their test scores show they met or exceeded the standard for their grade.
The results included 1,281 Churchill County students enrolled during the testing period. A total of 1,263 took each test, giving the district a participation rate above 95%.
State Superintendent Steve Canavero Wakefield said Nevada's math scores increased slightly among students in grades three through eight. English language arts scores declined slightly, while science results were mixed.
“The most important headline from this data, though, is that the majority of Nevada students aren't yet meeting grade-level expectations,” Wakefield said during a Nevada Department of Education media briefing.
Local results differed by school and subject. Churchill County High School reported an English language arts proficiency rate of 48.9% and received a three-star rating. Numa Elementary School and Churchill County Middle School received one-star ratings.
E. C. Best Elementary School and Lahontan Elementary School did not receive star ratings in the report provided. Lahontan had an index score of 82.5, the highest among the five district schools listed, but the report did not include its proficiency rates.
The districtwide report also showed an 85.9% graduation rate. Nearly one-third of students were chronically absent. The state defines chronic absenteeism as missing at least 10% of the school year.
Test scores show how students performed on state assessments, but they do not explain why the results occurred. Attendance, staffing, classroom materials, student needs, academic programs, and available support may affect learning and require closer examination.
Asked what Nevada must do to improve student achievement, Wakefield said, “There are no shortcuts.” He described better teaching and learning as a long-term effort that requires strong classroom materials, teacher training, and tests that help schools identify students who need additional help.
Nevada also introduced a new system for rating school districts and charter school sponsors. The District Performance Framework looks at school results, staffing, classroom materials, advanced courses, and financial stability.
The district ratings are separate from the star ratings assigned to individual schools. This year's ratings create a starting point and carry no formal penalties.
The Fallon Post will seek comment from Churchill County School District officials after they have had time to review the newly released information. Follow-up coverage will examine areas of strength, areas in which students may need more support, and the district's plans for the coming school year.
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