NAEP 2005 Science Results

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

• NAEP 2005 Science Snapshot for Idaho [Grade 4] [Grade 8]
• NAEP 2005 Science Report for Idaho, Grades 4 & 8
• Toward a More Inclusive NAEP:  Science Assessment 2005
• The Nation's Report Card, Science 2005 (National Highlights, Grades 4, 8 and 12)

Idaho State Department of Education

Average Scale Score

• In 2005, Idaho fourth graders had a science average scale score (155) that was higher than the nation (149).

• In 2005, Idaho eighth graders had a science average scale score (158) that was higher than the nation (147).

 Average Scale Score for Science Strands

	Grade 4		Grade 8
	Idaho	Nation	Idaho	Nation
Total / Composite	155*	149	158*	147
Earth Science	153*	150	160*	149
Physical Science	158*	150	154*	144
Life Science	152*	148	158*	148
* Difference between Idaho and the nation is statistically significant (p<.05). Note: Cross-strand comparisons such as earth science vs. life science should not be made.

At or Above Basic (NAEP Basic ≈ ISAT Proficient≈ Grade Level Expectation)

• In 2005, 75 percent of Idaho fourth graders scored at or above Basic in science, which was higher than their national peers (66 percent).

• In 2005, 71 percent of Idaho eighth graders scored at or above Basic in science, which was higher than their national peers (57 percent).

Idaho NAEP Snapshots: Science 2005

• Idaho and the Northwestern States [Grade 4] [Grade 8]
• Idaho and States with Similar Per-Pupil Spending [Grade 4] [Grade 8]
• Idaho Demographic Groups, Achievement Levels [Grade 4] [Grade 8]
• Idaho and National Demographic Groups, Mean Scale Scores [Grade 4] [Grade 8]
• Science Cross-State Comparisons, Mean Scale Scores [Grade 4] [Grade 8]
• Science and Mathematics Together, Idaho and Nation, Achievement Levels, Grades 4 and 8
• Number of States Higher than, Same as, and Lower: Reading, Mathematics and Science

Idaho NAEP Fact Sheets: Science 2005

• Idaho vs. Nation Tables, 2000 and 2005, Demographic Groups, Grades 4 & 8
• Idaho Gaps and Changes in Gaps in Selected Groups, 2000 to 2005, Grades 4 and 8
• Cross-State Comparisons on Science Strands by Demographic Group [Grade 4] [Grade 8]

 

Science 2000 vs Science 2005

There were two significant changes in the average scale scores among Idaho students between 2000 and 2005, both in physical science.  Idaho had no significant change in science, earth science or life science between 2000 and 2005.

□  Idaho fourth grade students in 2005 scored higher in physical science than fourth grade students in 2000.  See map:

 

□  Idaho eighth grade students in 2005 scored lower in physical science than eighth grade students in 2000.  This was understandable and somewhat expected.  Idaho's statewide curricular and instructional focus on physical science shifted from the eighth grade to the ninth grade between 2000 and 2005.