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Report: Allegheny Co. Students Scoring Higher On Standardized Tests

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - An analysis done by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit found that students in its 42 districts on average scored higher than their peers across the state when it comes to the annual PSSA test.

Now, the AIU is hoping to see scores be even better next year.

Students in the 42 districts have made strong gains in the subjects of math, science and English language arts. The information is based on data released by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The PSSA test is given to students in grades 3-8 throughout the commonwealth.

"I think this is something we should be very proud of. Our teachers are working very hard to make sure that they are teaching the right things to the students and not just the right things, but in the right way," Allegheny Intermediate Unit Executive Director Linda Hippert said.

Administrators say they saw some improvements from 2015 to 2016 because students and teachers had some experience with the new, more rigorous test in its second year.

"The standards changed. The learning was more rigorous, but I think what's also important to note is during that first year, there were a lot of changes in what was being taught at what grade levels and therefore being assessed," Hippert said.

There were a few districts that have been doing notably better than before for the third grade level.

"Chartiers Valley third grade reading, 17.4 percentage points. Allegheny Valley, 25 points in English language arts," Hippert said.

However, some districts still reported drops with the new guidelines.

"There are some districts that will fluctuate and you have to remember there are different students at different grade levels taking the test," Hippert said.

This comes after Pittsburgh Public Schools released a new report card last week showing nearly two-thirds of schools scored poorly on overall performance.

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