Pueblo students perform poorly on standardized tests

The second year results of the Colorado Measures of Academic Standards show students in Pueblo City Schools’ performed below students statewide.

The state-mandated assessment on social studies and sciences replaced the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program.

Across the state, 22 percent of fourth graders performed at “distinguished” or “strong” levels in social studies, compared to 13 percent of students at Pueblo City Schools. Students at Corwin International performed the best on that test in the district, with 34 performing at “strong” or “distinguished.” Conversely, no students at Bessemer or Eva Baca performed at a “distinguished” or “strong” level.

Test scores also showed that statewide 35 percent of fifth graders performed at “distinguished” or “strong” levels in science. In Pueblo City Schools, only 18 percent of fifth graders performed at that level.

Roe Ann Collette, the district’s assessment specialist, told KRDO NewsChannel 13 she wasn’t surprised with the results.

“It really was what we anticipated. The results confirm what we already knew that science and social studies is an area that we need to work on and focus on,” Collette said.

She added that the district is working on buying new textbooks to help students. If the district does not improve test scores by 2017, the state could take over the school district.