La. high school students improve scores on all EOC exams

A summary report on End-of-Course exams released today by the Louisiana Department of Education shows the state’s high school students increased their scores in all four areas of testing. The results come from exams administered on algebra I, English II, geometry and biology in December 2011 and May. Students earn one of four achievement levels on EOC exams: excellent, good, fair, or needs improvement. To earn a passing score and eventually graduate, students must earn a rating of fair or higher in each subject. A rating of excellent or good demonstrates proficiency in the subject. The percentage of students who achieved an excellent or good rating on the algebra exam increased from 51% in 2010-11 to 56% this year. In English, the figure increased from 61% to 66%; in geometry, from 41% to 50%; and in biology, from 43% to 51%. EOC exams are administered to students upon completion of core subjects and are designed to measure whether students have mastered the required knowledge and skills of the course.