Core Knowledge^® Research

Washington Elementary School

Rochester, MN

Results:

In the 1996-97 school year, the number of students reading at or above grade level increased significantly in grades 2-5 at Washington School, as measured by scores on the Gates MacGintie Reading Test, administered in the fall and spring of the school year. The school achieved its goal of increasing the number of students reading at or above grade level, as well as increasing the average NCE (normal curve equivalent) score for each grade. Reading progress is determined by comparing the number of students scoring at each stanine (1-9) in total reading. Students who score at or above the fifth stanine are considered at or above grade level.

Percentage of Students At or Above Grade Level in Reading
(Fall and Spring)

"We use the Open Court series to teach reading and math and Core Knowledge for half our curriculum. Core Knowledge definitely is part of the reason for our good scores because Core Knowledge content means students spend a lot more time reading. But we can't say how much of the improvement in reading scores is due to Core Knowledge and how much is attributable to good teaching. We also have a policy of required homework and a character education component that are factors in our success."

Linda Stockwell, Principal

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Last updated: Fri, May 23 2008