About test scores in Louisiana

Although test scores are only one measure of student achievement, they have become increasingly important in assessing student learning. In 2005-2006 Louisiana used two standards-based tests, the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program for the 21st Century (LEAP 21, pronounced "leep") and the Graduate Exit Examination for the 21st Century (GEE 21) to measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Louisiana. The LEAP 21 was given to students in grades 4 and 8 in English language arts, math, science and social studies. The GEE 21 was administered to grade 10 students in English language arts and math and grade 11 students in science and social studies. Students must pass the GEE 21 to receive a high school diploma. Students who do not pass the GEE 21 the first time have multiple opportunities to retake the test.

In 2005-2006, the Integrated Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (iLEAP) replaced the two national norm-referenced tests, the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED), that were administered in previous years. The iLEAP combines items from The Iowa Tests (norm-referenced) and new test items that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Louisiana (criterion-referenced). The iLEAP was administered in grades 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 in English language arts, math, science and social studies.

How are the tests scored?
LEAP 21 and GEE 21 results show the level of proficiency a student demonstrates in each of the subject areas tested. Students are rated at one of five levels: advanced, mastery, basic, approaching basic and unsatisfactory.

iLEAP results are reported separately for the criterion-referenced and norm-referenced portions of the test. The criterion-referenced portion is reported using the five proficiency levels used by the LEAP 21 and GEE 21 tests: advanced, mastery, basic, approaching basic and unsatisfactory. The norm-referenced portion measures performance through a percentile based on the scores of all students of the same grade level in the nation. All students receive a percentile rank, which indicates how well they performed in comparison to peers in other states. If the number is 45, for example, students scored as well or better than 45% of students who took the test across the country. The national average for all schools is 50. The state's goal is for all students to score at or above the national average.

Which scores are included on GreatSchools profiles?
Although Louisiana's testing program includes a variety of tests and subjects, only the LEAP 21 and GEE 21 scores for reading, English language arts, math and science are included on GreatSchools profiles. For each subject, the percentage of students scoring at or above the basic level is displayed. The LEAP 21 scores include results for students taking the tests for the first time as well as students retaking the test. The GEE 21 scores include only students taking the tests for the first time.

Why do the test scores matter?
The LEAP 21 is used to determine promotion to the 5th and 9th grades, and the GEE 21 is used as a high school graduation exam. To be promoted, students in grades 4 and 8 must score at the basic level or above on either the math or English language arts LEAP 21 test and approaching basic or above on the other test. Students who do not meet these requirements are offered free summer school and can retake the test at the end of the summer. High school students must score at the approaching basic level or above on the math and English language arts GEE 21 and on either the science or social studies portions of the test. Students have multiple opportunities to retake the test.

Louisiana uses test results, along with several other measures, to create school performance scores. Schools that receive an unacceptable rating must participate in state-driven improvement efforts.

It is important to be aware of both your child's score on the assessments and the overall scores for his school. If your child scores below the standards, contact his teacher to discuss getting additional assistance, and to find out how you can support your child's learning at home. If the school's overall scores are low, ask what steps the school is taking to raise achievement levels for all students, and what you as a parent can do to help.

A few parting words
Although test scores can be an indicator of what's happening in the classroom, they don't tell you everything about the quality of a particular school. Always look at more than one measure when judging school quality and visit in person before making any final assessment.

Source: LA Dept. of Education, 2005-2006

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