The New York State standardized tests have become a subject for which there is a difference of opinion as to whether they can truly be a barometer for the quality of education taking place in a school district. According to Superintendent of Schools for the Mineola School District Dr. Lorenzo Licopoli, the tests are only one measure of many of where a student stands academically. However, Dr. Licopoli says that it is difficult to measure progress school districts are making from year to year because different students will take the tests next year.

The 4th grade math, 8th grade reading and 8th grade math standardized tests scores children took last spring were recently released. The Mineola School District faired better than some districts, but did not do as well as others. However, it may be unfair to compare test scores between some districts since demographics differ.

For the 4th grade math assessment test, the Mineola School District had 176 students tested. Of those 176, 87.5 percent achieved a Level III or IV status, which is considered meeting or exceeding state standards. The Nassau County average for the 4th grade math test is 88.9 percent either achieving Level III or Level IV status.

For the 8th grade math assessment test, the Mineola School District had 204 students take the test. Of those 204, 55.9 percent met or exceeded state standards, achieving a Level III (meeting all of the standards) or Level IV (showing superior performance). The Nassau County average for 8th grade math is 56.5 percent either meeting or exceeding state standards.

In the 8th English language arts assessment test, the Mineola School District had 199 students taking the test with 52.3 percent meeting or exceeding state standards. The Nassau County average was 60.3 percent either meeting or exceeding state standards.

By comparison, the East Williston School District had 96.9 percent of its students meet or exceed state standards in 4th grade math, 73.3 percent in 8th grade math and 76.9 percent in 8th grade English language arts.

At the Westbury School District, 84.1 percent met or exceeded state standards in 4th grade math, 10.2 percent in 8th grade math and 31.6 in 8th grade English language arts.

In the Carle Place School District, 87.8 percent met or exceeded state standards in 4th grade math, 57.9 percent in 8th grade math, and 58.3 percent in English language arts.

The Mineola School District's test scores remain consistent with those from 2000 and 1999, although, during each year, there are different students taking the tests.

In 2000, the Mineola School District had 85 percent of its students meeting or exceeding state standards in 4th grade math, 55 percent in 8th grade math and 51 percent in 8th grade English language arts.

In 1999, the Mineola Schools had 93 percent meet or exceed state standards in 4th grade math, 51 percent in 8th grade math and 54 percent in 8th grade English language arts.

"The scores are not to be used to compare schools. The purpose of the scores is how we look at our students' achievements through a one-time test and there is a lot more about how our kids learn and what their needs are that are found on the assessments," said Dr. Licopoli.

Although some feel the tests are not an accurate measurement of the education taking place in a school district and comparisons are unjust because of the different demographics of different school districts, they can help in terms of planning to improve student learning, Dr. Licopoli said. "It's one form of an assessment that can help us do that and we should use that along with the other information in terms of our kids with respect to their learning."