Statewide standardized test scores released Thursday revealed that San Diego Unified School District students performed better than other large California school districts.
The scores overall remained flat from last year, but the Standardized Testing and Reporting scores show that SDUSD students did particularly well in English, language arts and science when compared to other parts of California.
SDUSD students also increased math scores by two percentage points. Plus roughly 54 percent of students scored at the proficient and advanced levels.
Across state, scores slipped by a fraction of a percentage point this year as schools dealt with ongoing budget reductions, stated California Department of Education State Superintendent Tom Torlakson.
"Our scores this year reflect the leveling off that has been seen around the state," said Board of Education president Dr. John Lee Evans. "Despite draconian budget cuts over the last six years, our teachers and students have remained focused on teaching and learning. Now it appears those billions of dollars in budget cuts are starting to catch up with us."
When comparing to other large school districts, SDUSD had the top English language arts and science scores. San Francisco and Garden Grove counties also tested well in those areas. Last year local students made major improvements, and were able to maintain those gains this year.
New SDUSD superintendent Cindy Marten said that the scores reflect hard work done by local teachers.
"You can't judge us alone by our test scores, but comparing us to other, similar large districts certainly shows the hard work done by everyone at San Diego Unified," Marten stated. "These scores will help us focus our work on creating quality schools in every neighborhood; I call on all San Diegans to do what they can to help us build a great district."
