Hamilton Southeastern test results show overall improvement • Latest release

Test scores for students at Hamilton Southeastern Schools show improvement over the previous year in almost all categories and several grade levels.

Assistant Superintendent Matt Kegley gave a detailed and data-rich presentation on the recently received spring 2024 standardized test results during the HSE Board of Trustees meeting on August 28. He had announced at the previous board meeting that the state IREAD reading comprehension scores for the district's third-graders showed improvements and promised to return at that time with more details.

Kegley's Aug. 28 presentation provided those details. It included state ILEARN test scores for third through eighth graders, which also rose across the board, as well as SAT and Advanced Placement test scores for high school students.

“At ILEARN, we improved 2.1 points in combined English and math scores from last year and 9 points from the last four testing administrations,” Kegley said. “Five of six grade levels tested, as well as the district as a whole, improved their passing rates in English and math, and 11 of our 12 demographic areas increased their performance in both English and math. At the high school level, we continue to rank third among some comparable school districts in combined reading, writing and math SAT scores.”

Kegley added that more students in the district's high schools have passed the AP tests – which can be used for college credit – than in previous years.

The results were broken down by demographic characteristics, including race, ethnicity, special education, English learners and whether a student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals. All demographic characteristics showed improvements on the ILEARN English Language and Math exams except one. There was a slight decline compared to the previous year among students who identified as Hispanic.

Although the district's SAT scores compared favorably with similar districts, scores were down from the previous year, particularly in math. However, Kegley noted that all comparable districts saw a decline in SAT math scores.

“I don't know why. I'm sure SAT (and maybe the College Board) are investigating because if all these districts are going under, maybe that suggests something has to do with the test and not necessarily the kids,” he said.

Kegley said the test scores will be used in updating schools' improvement plans to highlight areas that need growth or improvement. The district will also continue to focus on achievement gaps revealed by the test scores.

In other business, the board held a public hearing on proposed $6.7 million in general bond issues to pay off bus rentals paid through the district's operating fund. The bonds would not increase the district's tax rate, according to documents provided by the district.

No member of the public spoke about the proposed bonds. The proposal will be brought before the board again during its next meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at 13485 Cumberland Rd. Meetings will be streamed live on the board's website. hseschools.org/board/board-of-school-trustees.