Babylon Sup.: New State Test Results Still a Shock

The statewide decline on most recent New York State tests given came as no surprise to many across the area, but Babylon's Superintendent told parents in attendance at last week's school board meeting that the results were "still an eye opener and a shock."

Superintendent Richard Rozakis told the large summer crowd he, along with other school district heads had been forewarned about the expected results, but he said he was still surprised by the drop across the island, including within the Babylon School District.

"We want all of our children to be college and career ready," Rozakis noted. "The strategy is have every child ready is the Common Core Standard... unfortunately, this is the result."

Dan D'Amico, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, gave a presentation to those in attendance showing the results for Babylon's grades three through eight with the year-over-year difference, noting the tests had gotten dramatically harder than in previous years.

The new tests give score rankings based on the child's level of competence in the subject matter, with "1" being considered well-below proficiency and "4" considered excelling in the standards.

In English-Language Arts, Babylon students ranged anywhere from 38 to 52 percent within the "3" and "4" ranges while Math scores ranged from 34 to 48 percent.

Despite what was understood by many as underwhelming scores, Rozakis reminded district parents the school system was considered in "good standing" and said the children were receiving "an outstanding 21st Century education" in the district.

"I think its a good document," D'Amico said, referring to the Common Core, but also noted he had "some issues with it."

"It's not insurmountable," he added.

The full results and breakdown from the new state tests, as well as the presentation given by D'Amico can be found above or on the school district's website.