Schools — District results also better than state averages, with 59.4 percent of students passing in English and 43.4 in math

Based on test data, including comparisons to scores on the previously-used Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS) test, state education officials predicted roughly 30 to 40 percent of students in the state would meet the higher expectations set forth in the Smarter Balanced assessments that students took for the first time in 2014.

According to a results released Sept. 23 by the state, both Oregon students overall and those in the Newberg School District exceeded those projections in English language arts and math.

To meet state requirements, students needed to score a 3 or 4 on the new test, which 54.1 percent of students in the state did in English and 40.8 percent did in math. According to a release by from the state, overall scores beat estimates by an average of 10 percentage points.

“I am encouraged that our students exceeded initial projections,” state schools chief Salam Noor said. “Oregon students and teachers are rising to the challenge of our state’s new college- and career-ready standards and that is something to celebrate.”

Overall, Newberg students fared better than the state average, with 59.7 percent scoring a 3 or higher and 43.4 reaching that level in math.

“Newberg students exceeded state averages in 12 of 17 areas,” said Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. “In five of those areas we significantly surpassed state averages. While we are encouraged by these scores, we are certainly not satisfied with all our results.”

The Smarter Balanced test is more rigorous than OAKS, which featured multiple-choice questions, asking students to explain their reasoning, demonstrate critical thinking, writing and problem solving.

Students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 took the test last spring.

Results are intended to indicate whether students are on track for success in college or a career, as well as help students, teachers and parents understand more about their strengths and areas for improvement, according to Newberg Director of Assessment Don Staples.

In results for Newberg High School, 34.3 percent of juniors received passing scores in English and 34.1 percent passed in math.

At the middle school level, 60.4 percent of students at Mountain View passed in English and 38.6 percent in math. At Chehalem Valley, 55 percent of students passed in English and 38.6 percent in math.

“We recognize that these standards represent 21st Century knowledge and skills, but we did not need these test scores to tell us where we need to focus our work,” said LeBlanc-Esparza. “Our school leaders are already training their efforts on increasing student’s understanding and demonstration of these skills.”

In St. Paul, 64.4 percent of students scored a 3 or higher in English and 52.1 percent passed in math. At St. Paul High and Middle School, 70.7 percent of students met state requirements in English and 60.9 percent passed in math.

Written by: Seth Gordon; Newberg Graphic