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Local PACT scores below state average in 23 of 24 categories Passing rates for county students on this year's PACT test fell short of the state average in every subject area and grade level but one. Students in third through eighth grade statewide took the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) in English, math, science and social studies this spring. Passing scores are basic, proficient and advanced. Seventh grade math scores were the only area of 24 where the school district performed above the state average. The district came closest in English with third graders scoring just 2.3 percent below the state average and fourth grade scores were 1.6 percent below the state average. The gap between local and state students reached its widest level in science and social studies. Cherokee County students had an average 53 percent passing rate on PACT in science for all grade levels. The state's average passing rate was 60 percent in science. In social studies, sixth graders were 13 percent below the state's average pass rate while eighth graders were 18 percent. "We are disappointed with our PACT scores. They are not where we would like them to be," district chief academic officer Dr. Linda Sellars said. "Overall, our results on PACT are mixed. We did not see consistent improvement across grade levels." PACT is an accountability test specifically designed for South Carolina. The test requires students to write essay responses, show math calculations, complete charts or diagrams and edit paragraphs. PACT test results are the sole criteria used to determine state report card ratings for elementary and middle schools. Schools do not receive specific results on a student's strengths and weaknesses on the test. Students who score in the below basic category did not meet the state's minimum expectations and are considered not prepared for the next grade level. Schools are required to develop academic plans and provide remediation for these students during the year. There is no national test that can be used to compare PACT results. Several independent national studies indicate a PACT score of basic in South Carolina is equal to a score of proficient on other state accountability tests. The school district is still evaluating the PACT results to determine what changes will be made in the instructional program, Sellars said. The district plans to present the school board with a more detailed analysis on test scores in October. The district spent $200,000 this spring to purchase 200 electronic white boards for science classrooms in elementary and middle schools. The interactive touch screen boards will allow teachers to bring in graphics, videos and other instructional resources so students can participate in more hands-on science activities. "Science has been one of our weak areas," Sellars said. "With our new science curriculum and technology support from the electronic whiteboards, we anticipate our scores going back up." How we compare The following is the percentage of Cherokee County students in each grade who scored at least ''basic'' on the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test - considered passing - compared to the state average.
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