On Wednesday, the state released student CMAS, PSAT, and SAT testing scores from the 2022 spring semester and the data is cause for celebration.
“I am so proud of our kids, our staff, that they were able through the chaos of COVID to stay focused on learning,” said Superintendent David Blackburn. “Most districts in the state fell behind, while we excelled.”
Asked why that occurred here, when other districts couldn’t achieve these results, Blackbrurn said,” I think it’s because we gave it everything we had to stay open. We had solid systems to carry us through three years of chaos and great staff.”
Looking first at CMAS (The Colorado Measures of Academic Success)* scores, for 4th through 8th grades:
- Salida Schools’ students scored above the state average in math, literacy, and science.
- Third-grade scores were within a percentage point of the state number.
- From fourth grade on, the gaps grow — showing that Salida Schools’ students outperform the state’s percentage in every other category, in every other grade tested.
Salida High School students also recorded impressive scores on the SAT and PSAT.
- The 11th-grade students who participated in the SAT** scored an average of 43 points higher than the rest of Colorado.
- The 11th-grade students who participated in the SAT** scored an astounding 65 points better than the rest of the nation.
- Students in 9th and 10th grade who took the PSAT*** matched their older classmates by outpacing the state average by 42 points
- Students in 9th and 10th grade who took the PSAT*** exceeded the national average by 65 points, as well.
The Salida School Administration says “The success of Salida School District students is truly a reflection of the commitment to education by the entire community. Families, school staff members and board members, and each and every person who supports our local youth, should be proud of the effort our students put into these tests each year. ”
For a school district that only 11 years ago was underperforming, this is a continuing source of pride. “I came in 2011 – and 11 years ago our middle school was on academic watch,” said Blackburn. “We’ve been exceeding our academic performance goals for 10 years now. It’s really the district performance framework put around the students.”
Given the good news, the district staff could be excused from celebrating just a bit. “The sounds of giggling and glee have been heard around the Salida Schools Administrative Office since state data was released yesterday,” admits Salida School District Communications Assistant Kim LeTourneau. “It’s very, very cool – Salida Schools’ students are amazing, and we have an incredible community to thank for their support!”
Student’s families will receive an individual report that will show the subject areas where their child is excelling as well as where they may need more support.
More information can be found at www.salidaschools.com under the News/What’s New section including links to more detailed information about Colorado Department of Education and their current student assessment practices.
Understanding The Standardized Test Acronyms:
*CMAS, or The Colorado Measures of Academic Success, is the State’s common measurement of student’s progress at the end of the school year in English language arts, math for grades 3-8, and in science for grades 5, 8, and 11.
**The SAT is closely aligned to the challenging classroom work of Colorado schools and focuses on the key skills and concepts that evidence shows matter most for college and career readiness, including, mathematical concepts, skills, and practices important for success in career training programs, and reading, comprehending, and writing high-quality essays supported by evidence.
**The PSAT focuses on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success. In addition to helping students practice for the SAT, it can identify students’ potential for success in advanced course work. It provides more data than ever before about academic strengths and weaknesses as well as access to millions of dollars in potential scholarships.
For additional data and charts go to: https://www.salidaschools.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=99712&pageId=28697562
Featured image: 2022 Salida Student CMAS ELA and Math Performance vs. State
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