Depending on the calculation, Wadena-Deer Creek 10th-grade writing tests results are both higher and lower than the state average.
The schools average score, 3.3, is lower than the states average score of 3.5.
Meanwhile, the 94.74 percent of kids passing the test for the first time as 10th-graders at WDC is higher than the states average of 92.65 percent.
WDC High School principal Tim Bjorge said the results were what he expected.
I anticipated the kids would do well, and I think they did do well, he said.
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He also said its important to look at the trends from one year to the next.
People need to remember the results are from one class and one year, Bjorge said.
Compared to the state, WDC had a higher percentage of kids passing the writing test the first time in 10th grade for four of the last six years.
In terms of this years scores for surrounding schools, WDCs 94.74 falls in the middle. Henning scored a perfect 100 percent of kids passing the writing test; 95 percent passed in Sebeka; 92.31 passed at Bertha-Hewitt; and 89.29 percent passed at Verndale.
WDCs average score, 3.3, is also in the middle of averages, with some area schools scoring higher and some lower. Hennings average score was 3.7; Verndales average score was 3.6; Bertha-Hewitts average score was 3.4; and Sebekas average score was 3.2.
High school students need to pass the Basic Skills writing test to graduate. If they do not pass the test the first time, they are given chances to retake it. Soon different tests will be required, but the students will still need to pass tests to graduate.
In 2007, ninth-graders will take the Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma test instead of the Basic Skills writing test in 10th grade. The test will be similar to the Basic Skills writing test, and a passing score will be needed for graduation.
With the changes in required tests, Bjorge doesnt see the test requirements decreasing.
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Testing is becoming a very large part of what happens at school, he said.
Thats the time and the trend were living in, Bjorge said.
