According to data from 2017-18 state testing, more students in Mississippi are exceeding or meeting their grade-level expectations. The Mississippi Department of Education published Thursday’s annual Mississippi Academic Assessment Program scores. For the school year, 39% of students scored proficient or advanced on their English Language Arts tests and 49% scored this high on the math assessments. To measure their progress, students in grades 3-8 take MAAP exams in both subjects. Students in high school take algebra and English II assessments. The 2017-18 school year saw more than 253,400 students take the assessments. Students can choose to earn a minimum (1), basic (2) or pass (3) grade. The proficient (4) and advanced (5) grades are available. This year, the State Superintendent Carey Wright highlighted that there was an increase in proficient or advanced students in both subjects. Wright stated that this year’s assessment results showed the significant progress students, schools, and districts made in improving student achievement across the state. “There’s no limit to the potential students have when they’re challenged and given high-quality instruction and support. The department has seen significant results with a 4.9 percent increase in proficiency or advanced students in English Language Arts, and a 7.1% jump in math. Nearly three quarters of students in both subjects scored at level three or higher — this level indicates “a general mastery” of the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the grade or course. English II test-takers saw a 44.5 percent drop in proficiency or advanced scores, while algebra I scores increased by 4.2 to 46.6 percent. Demographic breakdowns reveal an achievement gap. While white and Asian students performed better than other minorities in both subjects respectively, each subgroup saw an increase of proficient students. 2017 saw 23.5 percent of state’s African American students score proficient. This year, that number has risen to 27.9 per cent. The percentage of white students has increased from 52.7 percent to 58 per cent. Wright stated that her department is currently looking into developing additional resources for teachers and districts to close the gap. Top 10 Math-Performing School Districts (charter school are not included as they don’t serve all grades). Top 10 English Language Arts Performing Schools (charter school are not included as they do not service all grades)_x000D