Lincoln Test Scores Decline

Louisiana Education Assessment Program (LEAP) Lincoln School District test scores for 2013-2014 declined from last years scores, the first time in recent memory that has happened. LEAP tests are administered in 4th and 8th grades in the subjects of English, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Accountability Coordinator Donna Doss told last night’s meeting of the Lincoln Parish School Board (LPSB) that 4th grade overall passing scores were 74% vs 80% in 2013. The 8th grade scores were 81% this year vs 82% in 2013.

Doss attributed the declines to a change in the testing methodology from what had been administered in the past. The newer tests are compatible with the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) and Common Core Standards.

Earlier, the board approved the recommendation of the Finance Committee to modify the district’s bonus schedules.

See here the bonus schedule.

Business Manager George Murphy said that May sales tax collections were up, and that the 4/30/14 fund balances were about $2 1/2 million lower than the 4/30/13 balances. The extensive capital spending program was the cause of the decline, Murphy said.

Finally, as we had predicted, the Ruston Daily Leader jacked up its pricing for the board’s legal ads. The hike – from $3.75 to $4.75 per hundred words – will result in yearly billing rising from about $19 thousand/year to about $24 thousand/year.

See here the memo and bid.