Oxford Among Top in Mississippi Academic Assessment Program
Oxford, Mississippi (August 21, 2019) — Last week, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) released statewide results from the 2018-19 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP), which shows student achievement has reached an all-time high in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics.
MAAP measures students’ progress toward academic goals that equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and the workforce. Mississippi teachers helped develop MAAP tests, which align with the learning goals for Mississippi classrooms. MAAP measures student performance in ELA and mathematics in grades 3-8 and in high school English II and Algebra I.
School district performance on state assessments are often measured by the percentage of students that score in the top two performance levels. Oxford School District ranks among the state’s best in the percentage of the students scoring proficient or advanced in grades 3-8 in both mathematics and ELA. Oxford School District is among the top 10 in the state in proficiency in all grade levels in both math and ELA with the exception of one. The ranking for each grade level in comparison to all Mississippi school districts is below:
- 3rd Grade:
- ELA – 6th
- Math – 1st
- 4th Grade:
- ELA – 7th
- Math – 3th
- 5th Grade:
- ELA – 10th
- Math – 5th
- 6th Grade:
- ELA – 25th
- Math – 10th
- 7th Grade:
- ELA – 2nd
- Math – 4th
- 8th Grade:
- ELA – 9th
- Math – 6th
When MAAP was first administered in 2015-16, one-third of Mississippi students met or exceeded grade-level expectations in ELA and mathematics. In 2018-19, closer to half of the students met or exceeded expectations in each subject. ELA achievement has increased from 33.6% to 41.6% of students scoring proficient or advanced. Students scoring proficient or advanced in mathematics has jumped from 33.0% to 47.3%.
Mississippi’s plan for improving student achievement calls for at least 70% of all students to be proficient in ELA and mathematics by 2025.
“Mississippi students are outpacing the nation in learning gains thanks to their hard work and the hard work of teachers, school staff, school leaders, and parents,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “Education in Mississippi is part of our state’s success story.”
MAAP tests have five levels. Students scoring at Levels 4 and 5 are considered proficient or advanced and are on the right track to being ready for college-level coursework. Students scoring at Level 3 demonstrate a general mastery of the knowledge and skills required for success in the grade or course, and they are approaching expectations for that grade or course. Students scoring a Level 1 or 2 need more assistance in learning the content and are in need of greater supports.