Next year Utah seniors will be the first graduating class that is required to pass the Utah Basic Skills Competency Test to receive a basic diploma. Davis leaders say so far students in the district have been fairly successful at passing the test.
The UBSCT measures concepts in reading, writing and math, ensuring that students graduate with basic skills needed to enter the work force.
Christine Wahlquist, research and assessment director at the district, reported that 80.5 percent of the Class of 2006 have passed the math portion, 90.2 percent have passed the reading portion and 85.3 percent have passed the writing portion of the test.
The UBSCT is first given during sophomore year in the areas of reading, math and writing. But students can retake the tests they fail up into their senior year — giving them a total of five chances to pass.
Davis students who don't pass can receive an alternative high school diploma or certificate of completion if they meet the rest of the district's standards.
To help those who are struggling to pass the tests, districts statewide are rolling out remediation programs.
Leaders at Davis schools will be receiving names of those who haven't passed or even attempted to take the test.
Some 233 students in the district from the Class of 2006 have reportedly yet to take any three of the tests.
Schools will be providing intervention and instruction in core concepts, focus on areas where students struggle and provide professional development to help improve instructional strategies.
Jeff Williams, assessment supervisor for the district, said each of the high schools have been asked to come up with a remediation plan.
Some are offering remediation courses during the school year, and Williams said there has been talk of a summer program.
The Electronic High School, run through the State Office of Education, also offers a preparation course for the UBSCT.
When students take the practice tests provided in the course, the program identifies areas in the exam where they are deficient. Then they are directed to the units they need to brush up on.
For more information go to www.davis.k12.ut.us/rad/
E-mail: terickson@desnews.com
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