Hagerstown, MD (August 28, 2018)  - The 2018 results from the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests show improved performance from students in Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) in both Mathematics and English Language Arts. Student performance in grade levels 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 demonstrated growth in Mathematics and English Language Arts. On the high school level assessments, Algebra I scores increased from 2017 data while English 10 scores decreased slightly.

“These significant increases are the result of the hard work of our dedicated teachers and their understanding of the standards and curriculum; students who put forth their best effort; effective leaders in our schools and central office; and a system-wide commitment to the growth and achievement of all students,” says Melissa Williams, President of the Washington County Board of Education. “We still have work to do, but I’m encouraged. This year’s PARCC scores indicate significant progress towards having our students career and college ready at graduation.”

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released the data for school systems across Maryland, which includes scores from tests administered during the 2017/2018 school year. Students in elementary school starting in third grade are tested annually through high school. Scores range from a performance level five (5), which indicates students are exceeding expectations, down to a performance level one (1), which indicates students are not meeting expectations. MSDE considers performance levels four (4) and five (5) as proficient on the assessment.

WCPS results highlight the following:
• WCPS Mathematics grades 3 - 8 scores show an increase of 7.5 percentage points in proficiency levels from 2017 to 2018. The State reported one percentage point of growth over last school year in the same area.
• WCPS English Language Arts grades 3 - 8 scores show an increase of 6.6 percentage points in proficiency levels from 2017 to 2018. The State reported one percentage point of growth over last school year in the same area.
• WCPS was the only school district noted by the State to achieve a “Significant increase in the percent of students at Performance Level 4 or higher; increase greater than five percentage points, 2017 to 2018” for Mathematics grades 3 - 8.
• WCPS was one of three school districts noted by the State to achieve a “Significant increase in the percent of students at Performance Level 4 or higher; increase greater than five percentage points, 2017 to 2018” for English Language Arts grades 3 - 8.

Board Vice President Stan Stouffer, adds, “I would like to congratulate WCPS students and staff for making significant performance increases in English Language Arts and Mathematics on the PARCC exam. On the English Language Arts portion of PARCC, WCPS is one of three school districts to demonstrate five points or more of growth in proficiency and is the only school district to demonstrate the same growth of proficiency in the Math component. Let’s keep the momentum going.”

“I am proud of the commitment and dedication of both our teachers and our students in reaching these achievements,” says Dr. Boyd Michael, Superintendent of Schools for WCPS. “These results are a promising indication that students are equipping themselves for the 21st-century workforce. Our educators are focused more than ever on honing their craft and preparing students for an ever-changing world beyond secondary education. I am encouraged by the record high numbers of teachers who are participating in professional development opportunities and their investment in implementing the curriculum at the appropriate rigor.”

WCPS staff will be presenting a comprehensive report on the 2018 PARCC results during the September 4 Board of Education meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Center for Education Services. Individual student PARCC scores will be distributed during the first week of school to be shared with parents and guardians. County and school PARCC results can be viewed online at www.mdreportcard.org.