When the Minnesota Department of Education released the 2007 results of its standardized writing tests, several area school districts finished ahead of the curve.
Park Rapids and Menahga students tested higher than state averages for both Grade 9 and 10 basic writing skills. Nevis sophomores ranked above the state standard on the Basic Skills Test (BST) and Laporte freshmen tested above average on the Graduation-Required Assessment for Diplomas (GRAD).
The state used both GRAD and the BST this year in preparation for GRAD as the official standard. Educators will phase out the BST next year per Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal.
Starting with next year's sophomores, graduation requirements for reading and mathematics will transition to the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests, to meet standards of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
Statewide, 92 percent of tenth graders and 91 percent of ninth graders demonstrated the basic writing skills necessary to graduate.
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In Park Rapids, more than 93 percent of ninth graders and almost 94 percent of tenth graders passed their respective tests.
Nevis freshmen tested approximately 6 percent below average on the inaugural GRAD, but sophomores placed 6 percent higher for the BST.
Menahga students scored almost 97 percent on both the BST and GRAD tests.
Tenth graders from Laporte passed the BST at a 65 percent rate, while almost 94 percent of ninth graders succeeded on the GRAD.
"Overall, Minnesota students continue to perform well on the state writing test and we can be proud of that success," Minnesota education commissioner Alice Seagren said. "These tests are important because they give parents and educators a clear indication of whether or not students are being prepared with the basic skills needed for graduation."
Students who do not meet graduation requirements on the writing test may take it again during scheduled retest opportunities.
