Today, the N&O reports that the state raised standards for English I, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II tests. The truth is that the state changed cut scores, not necessarily raised the testing standards. Because of the way the state conducts its testing program, we have no objective way of knowing how high or low the standards are.
The revised cut scores mean that, to be categorized as “proficient” on the English I and Algebra I tests, a student would need to answer a little over 50 percent of the questions correctly. To be categorized as “proficient” on Geometry and Algebra II tests, students would need to answer less than 50 percent of the questions correctly.
