Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Students Struggle in First-ever State Science Test

Weird. As the nation becomes more secular, science students are getting dumber.

Students Struggle in First-ever State Science Test
September 23, 2008

Whack!

Scores from the first-ever statewide assessment for science show that just one in four Rhode Island students is proficient in the subject.

Students in grades 4, 8 and 11 were tested, with fourth-graders showing the highest proficiency of all three groups.

The state Department of Education said Tuesday that in Rhode Island's urban districts, where test scores were lower overall, only 3 percent of eighth graders tested proficient in science.

Gov. Don Carcieri said now that the state has seen the scores, it can begin to address the problem.

Board of Regents Chairman Robert Flanders, Jr. said officials need to look at whether the state has enough science teachers and appropriate training and materials.

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