The percentage of Noblesville Schools' students passing ISTEP+ in 2010 increased throughout the district, as did the percentage of students meeting the criteria for "Pass-Plus."

Information about the spring ISTEP+ test was released June 16 by the Indiana Department of Education. This year's tests were administered in two sections; the applied skills assessment was given in March, and the multiple-choice assessment was administered from late April through early May.

Language arts performance increased at every grade level in Noblesville from 2009 to 2010. Performance on the mathematics portion of the test improved at grades 4, 5, 6, and 8. Achievement in math at grade 3 remained the same while scores in grade 7 dropped one percentage point.

"We are very excited because our scores are up across almost every single grade level. We are especially excited about the gains in eighth grade," said Jeanne Fredericks, district director of curriculum and instruction.

In eighth grade, 87 percent of the students passed the language arts portion of the test compared to 79 percent a year ago. Ninety-two percent of the eighth-graders passed the math portion, 10 percent more than passed in 2009.

"We had huge gains in math at grades 5 and 6," Mrs. Fredericks said.
"We've been concerned about our middle grades because of a dip we have been seeing there, but we are now seeing that even out."

The percentage of students achieving at the "Pass-Plus" level this year increased at every grade level except for one. The biggest increase in "Pass-Plus" came in third-grade math where the percentage grew from 31 to 44, and fifth-grade math where the percentage grew from 23 to 40.

Other notable gains:
• Scores in third-grade language arts at White River increased by seven percentage points to reach 93 percent. Scores in third-grade math at White River were up 6 percentage points to reach 90 percent.

• Scores in fourth-grade language arts at Noble Crossing jumped 10 percent from 75 to 85 percent.

• Scores in fourth-grade math at North were up 12 percentage points, from 77 to 89 percent.

• Scores in fourth-grade science at Hinkle Creek also were up 12 percentaqe points, from 86 to 98 percent.

A quick look at this year's results:
Grade 3: Language Arts, 91 percent (+3); Math, 87 percent (no change)
Grade 4: Language Arts, 90 percent (+4) ; Math, 87 percent (+5)
Grade 5: Language Arts, 82 percent (+3); Math, 87 percent (+8)
Grade 6: Language Arts, 85 percent (+5); Math, 86 percent (+7)
Grade 7: Language Arts, 87 percent (+3); Math, 85 percent (-1)
Grade 8: Language Arts, 87 percent (+8); Math, 92 percent 9+10)

Science
Grade 4: 88 percent (+2)
Grade 6: 69 percent (+7)

Social Studies
Grade 5: 80 percent (+9)
Grade 7: 85 percent (+8)


See a detailed look at Noblesville's 2010 ISTEP+ scores.

See a comparison of 2009 and 2010 ISTEP+ scores.


Parent Network allows parents access to children's ISTEP+ scores

The Indiana ISTEP+ Parent Network opened June 3, allowing parents to view student level scores and applied skills images for the annual statewide assessment. This network provides parents access to student results, a process required by Indiana law.

Parent Network invitation letters were delivered to school corporations the first week of May and schools distributed the letters to families. Invitation codes included in the letter are specific to each student and enable parents to securely access their student’s results.

The Parent Network is available 24/7 to families as a resource to help them stay involved in their student’s learning and progress. This network not only provides scores and released student responses, but also gives parents additional support to help increase their student’s learning and achievement.

Parents can log in and access their child’s scores at www.doe.in.gov/istepparentnetwork. Parents who did not receive an initiation code should contact their student’s school. Questions can be directed to the Indiana Parent Network by calling (800) 481-4769 or via e-mail at support@ctb.com.

For more information on the Parent Network, go to: http://www.doe.in.gov/istep/parentnetwork/parent_network_flyer.pdf