PEA RIDGE — Last year’s fifth grade class at Pea Ridge Intermediate School tested in the 90th percentile in math, well above both the state and region average of 74 and 77 percent, respectively.

As the class has progressed from third grade in 2008, the test scores have increased, as expected, showing the level of progressive learning is on track.

Benchmark testing determines whether individual schools are achieving adequate yearly progress. If the school falls below the required percentage of test scores, it is placed on an alert status. This year, despite the high math scores, both the Primary and Intermediate schools are on alert.

The Primary School is a “feeder building,” Bonnie Fullmer, curriculum coordinator, said at the Pea Ridge School District’s annual report to the public meeting last week. The Primary School does not fall into the end of course tested area, she said, as Benchmark tests begin in third grade. Therefore, the school takes on the same status as the Intermediate School.

Since the test scores of all populations of students are counted, the final percentage includes sub-populations of students: special education students and English language learners (ELL).

“We didn’t meet the goal that was set,” Fulmer said, “but we are working very hard to improve that this year.”

Test scores at the middle school remain high. Fulmer said it wasn’t very many years ago that seventh grade math scores were something the district was struggling with. In 2010, seventh graders tested in the 93rd percentile, well above the state and region.

“We are reaping the benefits from the middle school with their good test scores,”high school principal Rick Neal said.

Neal reported the test scores in biology were not as high as they would like to see them. But the drop-out rates have decreased from 22 percent in 2006 to only one percent in 2009. Collegiate admission test scores averaged 20.4 in 2010, to which Neal said is a statewide issue.

“The students just aren’t ready, they need to be advised, counseled a little bit better,” he said, adding more adequate preparation tests would benefit the students.

The school district is required to present the annual report under Act 35 of the Arkansas Department of Education Smart Accountability Plan.

“We see this accountability as a challenge for us,” superintendent Mike Van Dyke said.

The next regular school board meeting is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, in the high school media center.

School, Pages 9 on 09/22/2010