Countywide, 77.3 percent of fifth-graders passed the reading test and 96.6 passed the math portion. Math scores were particularly high, Sherrill said, giving local school officials cause to be suspicious. This year's math exam is new, and it's based on a new curriculum, she said. State officals have assured us the scores will stand this year but said the test may be re-normed for next year. Sherrill's concern has been echoed across the state.
Congratulations go to the whole team particularly to the teachers and parents.
The 48 local children who did not pass the test on the first try took the test again earlier this week. Preliminary results indicate that 10 more passed, leaving the county with only 38 facing retention, for an overall success rate of 87 percent. Those students will have an opportunity to improve their scores during four-week summer school sessions planned at Fairview and Blue Ridge, said Sherrill. The students must attend summer school if they wish to proceed to sixth grade. After the summer session, students will be retested, and those achieving passing scores will move on to sixth grade, Sherrill said.