Beach Schools Show Continuation of Success in Fall Stanford 9 Scores Virginia Beach City Public Schools' performance on the fall 2001 Stanford 9 tests shows a continuation of success with scores remaining relatively stable (plus or minus 5 percentile points) across the board. The tests are given in grades four, six, and nine, and Virginia Beach students are above the 50th percentile on all levels for the partial battery, which measures student knowledge in three core subjects - reading, math, and language. We're also above the 50th percentile on the full battery, which is optional and adds tests in social studies and science. A high point in this year's Stanford 9 scores was found with the fourth-grade math scores, which showed a five-point increase over those of last year. According to Assistant Superintendent for Accountability Diane Jones, the increased scores most likely can be attributed to teacher staff development through Math Academy, remedial efforts with children who have difficulty, the new elementary math program, and the assistance of subject area coordinators from the Office of Instruction. Jones further points out that while the "Stanford 9 scores show improvement in some areas, we must look closely at other areas where growth is not as apparent, particularly fourth-grade reading comprehension and ninth-grade mathematics procedures." According to Jones, parents of 4th, 6th, and 9th grade students will receive a letter from the school principal detailing the results of their child's Stanford 9 tests and giving the national grade percentile ranks. A state report on the test results across the Commonwealth was recently released. Jones expects the scores to be used primarily by school principals and teachers in developing their schools' continuous improvement plans. In addition, data are helpful in identifying students who may excel in more rigorous program offerings or who may need remediation. For further information on the fall Stanford 9 test results, please call the Department of Accountability at 427-4383. ###