Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) Releases “simulated” State and School Test Scores from the 2020-2021 School Year.

/ NPJ

On Friday, December 3, 2021, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) released
“simulated” state and school test scores from the 2020-2021 school year. While there
are bright spots in the results, Sabine, like other districts across the state, experienced a
decrease in scores which is to be expected following two tumultuous years in education
caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

There are positive outcomes from the results. Sabine’s C-19 district performance score
is an 82.4 placing them in the top 20 in the state and fourth in the Central Region. Many
K-8 students made growth, ranking Sabine Parish 4th in the Central Region. High school
students’ progress ranks Sabine third in Louisiana and first in the Central Region.
Sabine’s high school assessment index ranks in the top 20 in the state and second in
the Central Region. Also ranking in the state’s top 20 were Sabine’s Strength of
Diploma Index and the ACT index, ranking third and fourth in the Central Region
respectfully. Sabine’s Cohort Graduation Index ranks fourth in the state and first in the
Central Region. Sabine’s graduation rate is among the top 20 in Louisiana at 97.7%.

Ebarb, Many High, and Zwolle Elementary increased their overall school performance
score despite the pandemic. Converse, Many Elementary, Many High, Negreet,
Pleasant Hill, Zwolle Elementary and Zwolle High were named “Top Gains Honorees”
during the simulation. Both Many High and Zwolle High were recognized as “Equity
Honorees”.

While reflecting on the results, it is important to consider several variables:

  • SY 2019-2020 was a year of early closure and no assessment. Any break in the
    continuity of assessment can affect a student’s overall success.
  • Many students were on an A/B schedule or virtual for the majority of last year
    with educators juggling teaching students in class and at home.
  • Students and staff experienced numerous disruptions both from Covid and from
    historic weather events.
  • Students were out sick with Covid, in quarantine, or were adversely affected by
    family members with the virus, which hampered their ability to adequately prepare
    for the tests.

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