What does this measure?

The percent of low-income and all other students who scored at level 3 or above—meeting or exceeding the state standard—on the Grade 8 English exam. The test is scored by placing a student’s performance in one of four levels.

Why is this important?

The middle school English examination serves as a checkpoint for high school preparation. Performance on this exam is a predictor of high school success in English.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

In 2007, only 36% of low-income eighth-graders in the region passed the exam, compared to 73% of all other students. Pass rates increased for both groups, but the gap between the two widened slightly. And while low-income student performance throughout the state increased 15 points from 2002 to 2007, most of the gains in the region came in the last year, when the passing rate increased 9 points.

Notes about the data

The tests were revised for the 2006 administration as the federal No Child Left Behind requirement to test all children in 3rd through 8th grades took effect. Therefore, results prior to 2006 are not comparable to 2006 and later. Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch are considered low-income.