CPN schools score above state averages on CSAP
by Anthonette Klinkerman
During the month of March, area schools were silent for periods of time as students took the annual CSAP exams. The Colorado Student Assessment Program tests begin for students in third grade, and continue through tenth grade, measuring student performance in reading, math, writing and science.
As in years past, Castle Pines area school students performed well above the state average for 2009. Test scores for 2010 will not be available until the summer months.
Buffalo Ridge Elementary scores for third grade reading, writing, and math were at 92 percent proficient, 72 percent proficient, and 87 percent proficient, respectively. State averages for reading, writing and math were 73 percent, 54 percent, and 69 percent respectively. Fourth grade students were proficient at 86 percent in reading, 71 percent in writing, and 94 percent in math. State averages were 65 percent, 51 percent, and 70 percent, respectively. In fifth grade, science is added, and BRE fifth graders performed at 73 percent proficient, compared to the state average of 45 percent.
At Douglas County Montessori School in 2009, third graders tested proficient on CSAP in reading at 84 percent, in writing at 80 percent, and math at 90 percent. State averages were 73 percent, 54 percent, and 69 percent respectively. Fifth grade science revealed 64 percent proficient, versus the state average of 45 percent.
Timber Trail Elementary CSAP scores came in at 92 percent proficient in reading, 79 percent proficient in writing, and 80 percent proficient in math, averaging several percentage points above the earlier mentioned state averages. Science scores came in at 68 percent proficient, compared to the 45 percent state average proficiency.
American Academy Charter School students took the CSAP test in its former Lone Tree location last year. Scores for third grade reading were 89 percent proficient, 66 percent proficient in writing, and 74 percent proficient in math. State scores were again 65 percent, 51 percent, and 70 percent respectively. In the case of fifth grade science, 92 percent of American Academy students scored proficient, more than double the state average of 45 percent.
Due to space limitations, only scores for third and fifth grade science are reported here. For more detailed score comparisons, scores can be found online by searching “Colorado CSAP scores” for many various sites.
As for the future of CSAP, rumors are abundant. This could be the second to the last year of administering the exams due to costs and time involved. Another type of assessment will soon replace it, or even younger grades will soon be required to take some type of assessment. Again these are only rumors, and only time will tell.
