LCHS students surpassed both the state and CSRA Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) average scale scores in seven out of the eight End-of-Course Tests (EOCTs).

In compliance with the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000, students in grades 9-12 are required to take EOCTs in the following subject areas: Math I, Geometry, Ninth-Grade Literature, American Literature, Biology, Physical Science, United States History, and Economics.

The average scores for LCHS, RESA, and the state appear below:

.. Math I – LCHS, 424; CSRA RESA, 406; and the state, 408.

.. Geometry – LCHS, 600; CSRA RESA, 603; and the state, 595.

.. Ninth-Grade Literature – LCHS, 425; CSRA RESA, 418; and the state, 423.

.. American Literature – LCHS, 443; CSRA RESA, 427; and the state, 428.

.. Biology – LCHS, 419; CSRA RESA, 407; and the state, 414.

.. Physical Science – LCHS, 450; CSRA RESA, 426; and the state, 426.

.. United States History – LCHS, 409; CSRA RESA, 406; and the state, 405.

.. Economics – LCHS, 439; CSRA RESA, 417; and the state, 423.

Physical science, economics, Math I, and biology students scored 24 points, 22 points, 18 points, and 16 points, respectively, above the RESA average.

On the other hand, geometry students scored three points below the RESA average.

“Overall, I am most proud that in five of the seven subjects in which EOCTs were administered last spring, the percentage of students meeting and exceeding the standards increased,” said Brian Campbell, Lincoln County’s assistant superintendent for instruction.

The percentage of students meeting or exceeding the standards in Ninth- Grade Literature increased from 68 to 75 percent; in physical science, from 63 to 79 percent; in biology, from 66 to 69 percent; and in economics, from 75 to 85 percent.

“These types of gains are impressive, and represent the kind of results we strive for in all subject areas,” said the assistant superintendent.

In other comments, Campbell said, “Economics continues to be a source of excitement because a high percentage of students exceed the standards on a consistent basis. Over the last three semesters, the percentage of students exceeding the standards has remained at about 40 percent, which is the highest among the eight subjects.”

However, the system continues to struggle with the percentage of students who are not meeting the standards in United States History – 40 percent of students did not meet the standards in United States History in December of 2009. This percentage has remained the highest when compared to the other seven subject areas over the last three semesters.

“Our teachers are continuing to fine tune their instruction as they focus on the standards and analyze student performance data,” stated Campbell.

The assistant superintendent further pointed out that in an effort to meet AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) as mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act, the system has placed more emphasis on analyzing achievement data by race and economic status.

“As a result, we discovered that the percentages of black students not meeting the standards in American Literature and geometry have increased over the past three semesters. The December 2009 EOCTs showed that 32 percent did not meet the standards in American Literature, while 79 percent failed to meet the standards in geometry.

“The geometry class, which is being phased out due to the new math curriculum, was comprised mostly of students who did not pass the course the first time around.”

Campbell added that the percentages of white students not meeting the standards in biology have also increased over the past three semesters.

As for Math I, this past semester was the first time the EOCT scores have counted in this subject, and the students did well.

“Overall, 78 percent of the students passed the Math I EOCT,” according to Campbell. “Twenty-three percent exceeded the standards, which is a major accomplishment considering the rigor of the new math curriculum.

“As the teachers gain more experience teaching this subject and as students gain more exposure to the new math curriculum from prior grade levels, we expect student performance to only increase,” he concluded.