ISTEP scores show small gains in all subjects - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The state's top educators are calling the new ISTEP scores "historic" and "record-breaking."

The state superintendent says elementary and middle school students "worked their tails off" and the result is that ISTEP scores increased for the third year.

Dr. Tony Bennett appeared elated. "We are seeing a transformation in our Indiana classrooms," he said, making the announcement to a room crowded with teachers, principals and reporters.

Test scores are up, in all subjects among all groups of students.

Seventy-one percent passed both the English/Language Arts (E/LA) and math exams, up one point from last year.

Seventy-nine percent passed just the E/LA exam, one percent more than last year while 81 percent passed math alone, the first time students scored 80 percent or better on any test.

Other numbers are also encouraging: IDOE says over 56 percent of schools increased their English and math combined passing percentage over the previous year, and the results point to continuing trends of increases for English language learners, students on free or reduced price meals, special education students, as well as Black and Hispanic students.

While 85 schools reached Indiana's 90 percent goal for English and math (up from 75 in 2011), that's only about six percent. The goal was to have 90 percent of students statewide passing the ISTEP.

For a quick look at the results, click here.

There were similar increases in science and social studies. Bennett gave teachers most of the credit, saying, "We got here on your backs."

It is rare praise for teachers, who have felt persecuted by education reform measures. These are teachers whose pay and employment are now tied to student performance.

Test scores shot up at the Fort Wayne school where Patty Ritter teaches. The third grade teacher recalled a meeting with the principal.

"I said this job is killing me, but I'm loving it," said Ritter.

Although the superintendent says factors other than increased accountability were responsible for the improvement, Bennett admitted, "There is a good lesson in this that effective instruction is the key to school improvement. "

IPS 56, in heart of the inner city, also scored some of the biggest improvements in the state.

Principal Lauren Franklin says everyone from the custodians on up were responsible for improving scores. Students set their own goals. Every test day, they received hand written notes of encouragement from teachers.

"Getting students to own their goals, own their learning, that was the biggest thing for us this year," she said with a smile.

High school test results are due this fall. Results of the ECAs (End of Course Assessments) may decide whether the state takes over another IPS school.

John Marshall Community High School has been labeled a failing school for years. Unless there is significant improvement, the state could intervene.

See all results here.