(October 22, 2002) -- Clark students continue to score above state averages on the California Standard Tests, though in some areas test results show students struggling with the subject matter.

In mathematics, Algebra I scores declined compared to last year’s scores, neither of which score met the average score in the Glendale district. However, in science, average scores increased compared to the percentages in 2001. Also in language, compared to 1999, Clark’s overall percentage in all grade levels continued to show improvement. 
California Standards Tests are given to all public school students in California and are used to show how well students meet grade level standards.

Unlike the SAT-9 test, the  California Standards Test compare scores only with schools in California.

These tests are given to gauge to what degree student meet state requirements in math and language. Scores are used to direct the curriculum.  Teachers often structure their classes around past scores to maximize their students’ skills and prepare them to score higher on the tests.

Compared to 2001, the physics percentages in all grade levels increased in 2002. Overall, science is one of the subjects that students have shown great progress in.

Clark students have made equal progression in language.  Language scores increased more than five percent each grade level.

The only subject that students have failed to improve upon is Algebra I.  Some say the lower scores are due to the fact that Students at Clark are able to take an Algebra ABC course with part C of the subject is not completed by the time of the test. Math teacher Dennis Henderson attributes the low scores to previous Introduction to Algebra classes. “Students come into classes with an already weak base in algebraic concepts which doesn’t help to build on,” Henderson said, “Also, in the past, math classes haven’t been taught towards the Standards Tests.  We are now putting emphasis on different material, material we know are state standards for Algebra I.”