Philadelphia Standardized Test Scores Declined Again in 2013
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Standardized test scores were down in Philadelphia public schools for the school year that ended last June.
Districtwide, reading scores were down 2½ points, and math scores were down four points on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment ("PSSA") exams.
Overall, 42 percent of students scored "proficient" or "advanced" in reading, and 47 percent made the grade in math.
This follows a sharp drop in 2012 after stricter controls to combat cheating were put into place (see related story).
In the silver lining department, the district reported that students tested in both years, on average, showed more than a year's worth of progress between 2012 and 2013.
But Philadelphia schools superintendent William Hite says the results are disappointing and do not represent the capabilities of Philadelphia's students.
