Newsrooom

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Denver Public Schools (DPS) students showed strong district-wide gains across most grade levels and content areas on the 2008 Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP). The Colorado Department of Education released the scores earlier today.

Denver students outperformed the state in every grade level in reading, writing and science. In math, the district outperformed the state in all but two out of eight tests. Significant gains were seen in the middle grades, particularly in eighth grade, the highest performing grade level this year.

The district exceeded the state's growth in every content area except for lectura. In total, Denver exceeded or met the state in 26 out of 31 tests. This includes eight of eight reading tests, six of eight math tests, eight of eight writing tests and three of three science tests.

"We are encouraged by the results," said Superintendent Michael Bennet. "The hard work of our students, teachers and principals is paying off. It is clear we have a long way to go in Denver, but I am confident we are moving in the right direction."

Continued Improvement in Reading, Math and Writing

Denver schools outperformed the state in the reading test in every grade level. Students in grades five, six, seven and eight showed strong gains, with eighth grade posting a 7.8 percent gain in reading.

The district beat the state in six out of eight math tests, with the overall gains exceeding the state. Significant gains were made in grades five, six, eight and ten.

In writing, Denver students outperformed the state in all grade levels, with the overall gains also exceeding the state. Grades four and eight showed strong gains in writing.

Denver outperformed the state in science in every grade level tested.  

"This year's gains in math and reading are promising, especially in the middle grades," said Board of Education President Theresa Peña. "The results showcase the great work that our students, teachers and principals have been doing over the last couple of years. The Denver Plan and our focus on instruction are making a difference."

Upward Trends

From 2005 to 2008, Denver students made strong improvements in reading, math, writing and science. In reading, the district posted a 6.2 percent increase over the three years, more than four times the growth of the state. In math, Denver saw a six percent gain, more than twice the growth of the state. The district posted a 2.2 percent gain in writing, three times the growth of the state. In science, Denver students increased by 2.3 percent, seven times the growth of the state. Over the three year period, Denver schools outperformed the state in all tests in reading, writing and science, and all but one in the math tests.

Instructional Initiatives for 2008-2009 School Year

The district will continue to focus on literacy instruction that is aligned with state and federal initiatives and targets students at the appropriate levels of support and intensity in reading instruction and interventions. This will include the use of small group instruction reading materials in elementary school bookroom collections as well as appropriate instructional practices for adolescent readers. Additionally, the 25 lowest performing schools on the new School Performance Framework will participate in Core Matters, an intensive literacy and math program that supports increased student achievement through research-based instructional practices, with teacher supports and additional student supports.

Across the district, schools will start the new academic year with a new Algebra curriculum and additional professional development for staff. At the high school level, more than 2,000 incoming ninth graders are now attending the night grade academies, a two-week literacy and math program. The district will also expand the credit recovery program next year, allowing more students to make up high school credits. 

As part of the district's reform, more four-year-olds will be attending full day preschool and kindergarten this fall. Across the district, more than 80 schools have high quality preschool offerings.

"We are pleased with this year's results," said chief academic officer Dr. Jaime Aquino. "The scores are a validation of the work we are doing and will continue to do. We are headed in the right direction." 

For more information, please contact the Communications Office at 720-423-3414.