2013 State Tests: How Did Pleasantville/Briarcliff Fare?

New York State's standardized English and Math tests, administered in April to third through eighth graders statewide, were this year the result of the latest Common Core Learning standards.

The new tests yielded "significantly lower" scores over the 2011-12 academic year results, according to a statement from the NYSED.

Click the spreadsheets above to view Briarcliff Manor and Pleasantville scores.

"This change in scores—which will effectively create a new baseline of student learning—is largely the result of the shift in the assessments to measure the Common Core Standards, which more accurately reflect students' progress toward college and career readiness," according to the state.

But Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor's schools' superintendents, as well as State Education Commissioner John B. King Jr., stressed the results don't necessarily mean students or schools have been slacking.

"The new assessments are a better, more accurate tool for educators, students, and parents as they work together to address the rigorous demands of the Common Core and college and career readiness in the 21st century," according to the statement.

Briarcliff Manor's acting superintendent, James Kaishian, agreed.

"Although Todd Elementary and Middle School students faired very well in comparison to other high performing districts, we too experienced a decline in results consistent with comparable districts," he wrote in a letter to district parents.

The state's standards label Level 4 scores as "exceeding proficiency standard" and level three "meeting proficiency standard."

Pleasantville Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter said in a districtwide memo, "Although Pleasantville’s performance on the new assessments continues to be aligned with those in our cohort*, we are deeply concerned about the impact that these assessments have on our students, staff and program."

The asterisk in Fox-Alter's memo refers to a footnote that reads: "According to NYSED’s database for Westchester County - Pleasantville ranked 10 out of 47 in ELA performance and 15 out of 47 in Math performance. "

Kaishian told parents, "In spite of our comparative success during this time of transition, we are certainly not satisfied with the results. However, we believe there is little correlation between these latest assessment results and the quality of the educational experience for Todd and Middle School students, or their ultimate ability to become college and career ready."

Fox-Alter, citing the Pleasantville Board of Education's Advocacy Campaign against High Stakes Testing, said the Pleasantville district believes the tests serve as a "snapshot," rather than " a total means of evaluation" for local students and teachers.

In Briarcliff Manor, Kaishian said the district will be evaluating its curriculum "to identify areas for curriculum revision and any additional professional development required" and will be presenting additional information to its Board of Education in September.

What do you think of the state's standardized tests and this year's scores? What did your children think? Tell us in the comments.