What does this measure?

The percent of students tested who scored at level 3 or above—meeting or exceeding the state standard—on the Grade 8 Science exam, broken down by students’ economic background. The test is scored by placing a student's performance in one of four levels.

Why is this important?

The middle school science examination serves as a checkpoint for high school preparation. Performance on this exam can help predict high school success in science and is used to determine which students need extra help in science.

How are Cayuga and Seneca counties performing?

In 2010, 72% of low–income eighth–graders in Cayuga passed the science exam, compared to 89% of other eighth–graders. In Seneca County, passing rates were 78% for low–income students and 85% for all other students. The difference in passing rates for low–income and other students was not as drastic in Cayuga and Seneca as it was in the state (excluding NYC), where only 66% of low–income eighth graders passed, compared to 89% of other eighth–graders. Performance of low–income students in Cayuga and Seneca was similar to comparison counties, which ranged from 73%–78%, with the exception of Onondaga (55%). However, performance of other students in Cayuga and Seneca was slightly below that of comparison counties, which ranged from 90%–92%.

Notes about the data

Students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch are considered low–income. Test results for small groups of students were not disclosed to protect student privacy.