Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) students scored well above state averages in the first Nebraska-wide reading test results released in August.

“Overall, the scores for LPS students were significantly higher than the overall score averages for Nebraska students,” according to Marilyn Moore, associate superintendent for Instruction at LPS.

“I believe this is due to years of consistently high expectations, challenging and rigorous curriculum, effective instruction supported by effective professional development, interventions for students who need them, and attention to relationships – all the things that the research says matter, and do.”

The test was administered in all Nebraska public schools last spring to all students in grades 3 through 8, and grade 11: more than 147,000 students across the state.  The online test contains about 60 questions and measures student achievement based on the recently revised Nebraska state reading standards.  The tests will allow education officials the ability to get a statewide view of achievement.

For each grade level, percentages are reported in three categories:  Below Standards, Meeting Standards and Exceeds Standards.  For every grade level except for grade 11, more LPS students scored in the higher achieving category than state averages, and fewer scored in the lower achieving category.

Moore said she sees these results as an affirmation that LPS has long set high standards and expectations: “We want our students to not just be good, we want them to be excellent.”

She continued:  “We’ll celebrate for a moment, and then get on with it.  We still have more students not meeting standards than we would like, and we know that we will identify challenges. Our work is not done.  But we’re in a position to work from strength, from what we know makes a difference, focusing on what matters most."

Moore said district officials, principals and teachers will examine the data and use the information in their planning for improving reading achievement, with support from district leaders and reading coaches.

Parents will receive a report on their child’s scores from their local schools. For more information go to: www.education.ne.gov.

Overall results:

Third grade reading results:
Exceeds Standards: LPS, 27 percent – State average, 20 percent
Meets Standards: LPS, 49 percent – State average, 47 percent
Below Standards: LPS, 24 percent – State average, 32 percent

Fourth grade reading results:
Exceeds Standards: LPS, 34 percent – State average, 22 percent
Meets Standards: LPS, 48 percent – State average, 48 percent
Below Standards: LPS, 19 percent – State average, 30 percent

Fifth grade reading results:
Exceeds Standards: LPS, 27 percent – State average, 19 percent
Meets Standards: LPS, 49 percent – State average, 48 percent
Below Standards: LPS, 24 percent – State average, 33 percent

Sixth grade reading results:
Exceeds Standards: LPS, 23 percent – State average, 20 percent
Meets Standards: LPS, 49 percent – State average, 48 percent
Below Standards: LPS, 29 percent – State average, 32 percent

Seventh grade reading results:
Exceeds Standards: LPS, 27 percent – State average, 21 percent
Meets Standards: LPS, 47 percent – State average, 48 percent
Below Standards: LPS, 26 percent – State average, 31 percent

Eighth grade reading results:
Exceeds Standards: LPS, 27 percent – State average, 22 percent
Meets Standards: LPS, 49 percent – State average, 48 percent
Below Standards: LPS, 24 percent – State average, 30 percent

Eleventh grade reading results:
Exceeds Standards: LPS, 20 percent – State average, 18 percent
Meets Standards: LPS, 48 percent – State average, 50 percent
Below Standards: LPS, 33 percent – State average, 32 percent