Amherst Students Score Above State Average

Amherst students topped state test averages in the Fall 2010 New England Common Assessment Program last year.

The results of NECAP for grades three through eight were released this week, which was started six years ago in response to the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Students in Amherst tested above the state average across grades and subjects, which include mathematics, writing, reading and science.

Statewide, 77 percent of students demonstrated proficiency in reading and 66 percent achieved the same in mathematics. In writing, 55 percent of students scored proficient or better.

In science, New Hampshire students improved at all three grade levels tested, which include fourth, eighth and eleventh graders.

"Score results show improvement in science proficiency at all three grades tested,” said Commissioner of Education Virginia Barry in a press release. “This is an indication that schools and districts are working to improve their science instruction, as well as align their professional development plans to support this work.”

She added that it is important to note that the NECAP is only one measure of academic progress and a single annual assessment is not a sufficient way of measuring overall student success.