Test Scores Show Growth Among Most DMPS Students

The latest results from the Iowa Assessments – the state-wide test that measures student proficiency in reading and math – show that students in Des Moines are moving in the right direction. Data from the tests were presented at the September 17 meeting of the School Board.

The test results show student growth across every grade level and among nearly every demographic group in Des Moines.

As Superintendent Tom Ahart notes, “Proficiency is always the goal, but growth is what I find most important.” And Holly Crandell, the district’s curriculum coordinator, adds “The results of the Iowa Assessment show great growth in our district.”

Some of the biggest gains were made in reading, with every grade level seeing an increase on the Iowa Assessments. In grades 3-5, students overall saw an increase of 2.4%. In fact, all student demographic groups, with the exception of Asian students, saw growth. In grades 6-8, students overall saw an increase of 1.2%, including growth among every student subgroup. And in grade 11, students overall saw an increase of 4.5% and growth in every student subgroup.

The growth in mathematics was nearly as impressive, with increases at all grade levels. In grades 3-5, students overall saw an increase of 1.7%. In fact, all student demographic groups increased with the exception of student with disabilities, who remained the same, and Asian students, who saw a slight decrease. In grades 6-8, students overall saw an increase of 1.8%. All student demographic groups increased, with the exception of Asian and Hispanic students; African American students had the largest increase of 4.6%. And in grade 11, students overall saw an increase of 2.2%. Most student subgroups increase, with the exception of ELL, African American and Asian students.

Video presented at the School Board Meeting

Student Achievement Monitoring Report

To download a copy of the report presented to the School Board, click here, or read the complete copy below.