Achievement by Putnam City 8th-grade students on state tests of proficiency in reading, math and other subjects show steady gains over a four-year period and are now at their highest levels ever, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Dr. Melani Mouse says.

The tests, taken in spring 2006 by students across the state, show:

• On state reading tests, 89 percent of district 8th-graders scored satisfactory or advanced. Four years ago, the figure was 80 percent.
• On state math tests, 83 percent of district 8th-graders scored satisfactory or advanced. Four years ago, the figure was 71 percent.
• On state science tests, 88 percent of district 8th-graders scored satisfactory or advanced. Four years ago, the figure was 76 percent.
• On state history tests, 82 percent of district 8th-graders scored satisfactory or advanced. Four years ago, the figure was 53 percent.
• On state writing tests, 96 percent of district 8th-graders scored satisfactory or advanced. Writing scores from previous years for all Oklahoma 8th-grade students have been invalidated due to problems with the test.

Mouse says the numbers reflect an intense focus on student learning by teachers and administrators at every middle school and reveal achievement "hot spots" at several schools.

Mouse says Mayfield Middle School 8th-grade scores have jumped significantly in the last four years. On reading tests this year, 91 percent of Mayfield 8th-graders scored satisfactory or better, compared to 70 percent four years ago. On math tests, scores have increased from 56 percent four years ago to 79 percent this year. Science scores have risen from 67 percent to 90 percent, and history scores from 39 percent to 86 percent.

Western Oaks Middle School 8th-grade scores have showed similar increases, Mouse says. On reading tests this year, 91 percent of Western Oaks 8th-graders scored satisfactory or better, compared to 76 percent four years ago. On math tests, scores have increased from 70 percent four years ago to 84 percent this year. Science scores have risen from 76 percent to 86 percent, and history scores from 46 percent to 82 percent.

For across-the-board achievement, Mouse says, no district middle school tops Hefner Middle School 8th-graders. In all four subject areas tested, 90 percent or more of Hefner students scored satisfactory or better.

"I can’t give enough credit to our teachers. Their vision never strays from learning. They use teaching methods that are proven to be effective, they assess what students need, and when necessary they re-teach or alter instruction to make sure students grasp concepts," Mouse says.

District 8th-grade scores have been higher than state averages in every subject area the last two years, Mouse says. State averages for the spring 2006 tests are not yet available.

Mouse says that while 8th-grade test scores are good, work on improving achievement continues.

"We’re on the right road, but staying on the right road means paying attention, watching for trouble spots and making course corrections," Mouse says.