School districts across the state are getting results back this week from the first “Smarter Balance” achievement testing. That test replaced the “Dakota Step” tests that had been used in the past.

Students in grades three through eleven took the online tests last spring.

Vermillion Superintendent Mark Froke says they were pleased with their students’ scores in the two test areas…

 

The state average score in English was forty nine point five percent. In math the average was forty one point three percent.

 

Froke says the new tests are more difficult than the Dakota Step tests…

 

Froke says their teachers have been able to adapt to new standards and relay those to their students…

 

State officials have said this first year is a benchmark, and scores should improve from here.