The Wyoming Department of Education has released the 2012 Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students – or PAWS - results. For the second year in a row, the results indicate a statewide rise in scores in math, reading, and science.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Cindy Hill, did not point to specific policies or efforts made by the Wyoming Department of Education, but rather said the results were due to a team effort.
“Teachers are working to increase their practices, just as a matter of good practice, they do this throughout the year, and this is a reflection of that. I think the parents are engaging more and more, and I think that our leaders are actively engaged in this, and the support system around our kids,” said Hill.
PAWS annually tests students in grades 3 through 8 and in grade 11. This December, the company administering the PAWS test will switch from Pearson to Educational Testing Service, but Hill does not anticipate any major changes in the test itself.