State Releases PSSA Results; Bensalem Schools Progress

At the end of September, the state Department of Education released the results of the 2011 Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSA) administered in the spring.

According to a release, statewide, 77.1 percent of the 938,000 students tested in math scored proficient or advanced; 73.5 percent of the 936,000 students tested in reading scored proficient or advanced; 75 percent of the 393,000 students tested in writing scored proficient or advanced; and 60.9 percent of the 399,000 students tested in science scored proficient or advanced.

A school or district’s performance on statewide math and reading assessments is the primary factor in determining Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

Out of the state’s 499 school districts that administer the PSSA, 467, or 93.5 percent, made AYP. Of the 3,096 school buildings in Pennsylvania, including charter schools and comprehensive career and technology centers, 2,326 schools, or 75.1 percent, made AYP.

Patch previously reported that reached the AYP standard for the for the first time in nine years. And with two successful appeals of school's AYP scores this year, that means all nine made AYP, Superintendent David Baugh announced.

“This is the result of an incredible team effort,” he said.

Former Superintendent Bill Gretzula attributed the new BHS success to a school improvement plan developed with support of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit.

“We were most proud last year that the two elementary schools (Faust and Rush elementary schools) that had previously been in failing by state definitions had made AYP,” he said.

“It has always been understood by those within our organization that change is a process, not an event,” he said. “The true work of school reform is not something that can occur quickly. It requires focus and persistence on a few targeted improvement strategies.”

Here are the PSSA scores for all Bensalem schools:

MATH

READING

SCIENCE

WRITING