Student test scores delayed

With the delayed release of test scores by the state, the criteria for participation in eighth grade graduation ceremonies in St. Mary Parish relies solely on successful completion of course credits.
St. Mary Schools Superintendent Donald Aguillard said the release of Louisiana accountability test results was delayed last week by the State Department of Education.
Scores were released to the districts Monday afternoon, and parents in St. Mary received their students’ results Tuesday via letters sent home from the schools.
In light of the late release, St. Mary Parish acted to make adjustments in the criteria traditionally used to determine which students qualify for participation in eighth grade ceremonies. Based on the state’s contention that scores would not be readily available, Aguillard said ceremony participation is based solely on successful completion of course credits.
Students who passed academically are allowed to participate in the ceremony this year. However, LEAP is still the primary criterion for promotion as set forth in the district’s 2014 Pupil Progression Plan, Aguillard said.
Students in grades 4 and 8 who failed to attain promotional standards will attend a required summer remediation session and have the opportunity to retest in late June. Summer school sessions will be offered at four sites across the parish: Morgan City, Patterson and Franklin junior highs and B.E. Boudreaux Middle School. Summer school runs from May 28 to June 27, 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. five days a week.
State Department of Education officials said this morning that summary scores for districts will be released to the public next week.