Students’ Test Scores Significantly Higher in ’98

Standardized test scores in the Fullerton School District improved significantly from 1997 to 1998, bringing them equal to or above county and state figures, the school board was told this week.

The Stanford 9, which was administered to the second through eighth grades in late April, measures students’ basic skills such as reading and math. The scores represent how students perform compared with a national sample of test takers.

The district defines statistically significant improvement as 3 or more points. The district overall scores went up 4.77 points.

All grade levels also showed significant improvement in reading, which was the district’s academic focus area during the 1997-98 school year.

“I think we’ve made an amazing effort,” said Pat Puleo, director of instructional support services.

Mimi Gaudette, president of the Fullerton Teachers Assn., applauded the teachers and students.

“Can we do better? Of course,” Gaudette said. “But we are obviously doing something right.”

However, Trustee Kim Ann Guth said the scores were not satisfactory and the board had no reason to celebrate.

“I’m still not happy,” she said. “I won’t be until our test scores are well above average.”

Trustee Hilda Sugarman said the district should not expect drastic improvements overnight.

In other business, the board added revisions to the Beechwood School survey, which will seek parents’ input as to what kind of curriculum to offer at the soon-to-reopen campus.

The district has been split between opening a back-to-basics school and a traditional K-6 neighborhood campus.

The survey will be sent to parents of children in the Beechwood community on the first day of school.

Beechwood is scheduled to open in September 1999 for at least 300 students.