| For immediate release May 23, 2012 |
Contact:
Larry Slonaker, SCCOE Phone: (408) 453-6662 |
County English Learners improve on statewide test
SAN JOSE, CA – Santa Clara County students classified as "English Learners" outperformed their statewide counterparts, while at the same time boosting their performance from last year, according to an analysis of the 2011-2012 California English Language Development Test results. The results were released today (Wednesday) by the California Department of Education.
The state requires that the CELDT be given to students identified as English Learners once a year, until they are reclassified as fluent in English. The test assesses listening, speaking, reading and writing skill areas for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Scores are reported on five performance levels, from Beginning to Advanced. In order to be qualified as proficient in English, students must attain an overall CELDT level of Early Advanced or higher, and they must score no lower than Intermediate on any of the skill areas.
The analysis, by the Assessment and Accountability Department of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, shows that 43 percent of county students taking the test met the state's criterion for English proficiency, compared to 39 percent statewide. The number of county students who achieved the Advanced level was 11 percent (compared to 9 percent statewide).
County students also improved over their scores from a year ago. The number who met the proficiency criterion this year was up five percentage points from the 2010-2011 test, when 38 percent hit that mark.
As is consistent with practically every state assessment, this year's results show an achievement gap in the performance of Hispanic students and their non-Hispanic counterparts. However, progress was made there as well. The gap between scores of English Learners whose primary language is Spanish and those of the highest performing subgroup (Mandarin-speaking students) narrowed by five percentage points from 2010-11 to 2011-12.
Date last updated: May 23, 2012
