State gets average grade on science tests

By Beth Gollob

Published: May 26, 2006

Oklahoma science scores for fourth- and eighth-graders did not change significantly from 2000, but the state remains on par with the national average, according to a national report released Wednesday.

National Report Card on Science

In the Nation's Report Card on Science, released by the National Center for Education Statistics in Washington, fourth-grade scores improved nationally, while eighth- and 12th-grade scores remained flat.

Scores are based on the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress, a test given to select groups of students chosen based on demographics. It's designed to evaluate students' knowledge of earth, life and physical sciences on the fourth-, eighth- and 12th-grade levels.

Unlike standardized tests, individual National Assessment of Educational Progress scores are not provided. About 2,500 Oklahoma students took the test in 2005.

Oklahoma fourth-graders scored an average of 150, compared with 149 nationwide. National and state average scores for eighth-graders were an identical 147. Scores for 12th-graders only were collected nationally.

Among Oklahoma fourth-graders, 69 percent of boys and 65 percent of girls scored at or above the basic level, and 28 percent of boys and 22 percent of girls scored at or above the proficient level.

But fewer eighth-graders scored at basic level or higher, with 60 percent of boys and 55 percent of girls falling into that category. About 30 percent of boys and 21 percent of girls scored proficient or higher.

According to test definitions, basic represents partial skill, followed by proficient and advanced levels. Fewer than 3 percent of Oklahoma fourth- or eighth-graders reached the advanced level.