By Matthew Monks
While more than 200 of its 2,600 third-graders might be held back for failing the tests, the district attained the third best scores in Queens, according to the results.
The tests are scored on a scale of Level 1 through Level 4, with 1 as the failing mark and 4 as the highest. A score of 2 is below average but not failing, while 3 is above average.
Under Schools Chancellor Joel Klein's new initiative to end social promotion, students who get a 1 on the math and reading tests could be held back depending on the appeals process.
About 56 percent of third-graders got a 3 or 4 in District 30, which comprises 28 schools in Astoria, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Woodside, and part of Corona.
That percentage places District 30 behind District 26 in northeast Queens, in which 68 percent of its students earned a 3 or 4, and District 25 in the northern section of the borough, where 67 percent of its students landed in the same category.
District 30 had more than 1,100 students – or 43 percent of the total class – scoring a mark of 1 or 2, figures showed. While that means more than a third of the total students who took the tests scored low, most of the other six districts had a comparative number of low-scoring students.
Some 55 percent of students in District 27, 53 percent of students in District 29 and 45 percent of students in Districts 24 and 28 scored either a 1 or 2, figures showed.
The test scores were sent to administrators on June 3, the same day fourth and eighth-grade state test results were released to the public.
Students who flunked the third-grade tests will automatically be put into an appeals process to determine if they will move on to fourth grade. School principals will review their school work and decide if they are ready to advance. If the principal determines their work is sufficient, he or she passes them. If their work is found wanting, the students are flunked and encouraged – but not forced – to take summer school.
Students may retake the exams in August, with summer school work taken into consideration.
Parents should know whether their child is in the appeals process by the end of the week.
Reach reporter Matthew Monks by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
