Kids Zone

This activity asked us to use a graphing tool such as what is available at Kids Zone to create a graph comparing NAEP scores from 2003 - 2007 for West Virginia versus the national average. I am somewhat familiar with Kids Zone from using it for other classes but it was beneficial to revisit the site and remember the many tools that are available there.

The first graph compares West Virginia's NAEP reading scores for fourth grade to the national average for the years 2003, 2005, and 2007. This chart indicates the need for West Virginia to improve their reading education program. As indicated in 2003, West Virginia was above the national average in testing that measured their fourth graders' reading proficiency. In the subsequent years of 2005 and 2007, West Virginia's scores were below the national average. This drop-off of test scores is cause for concern for the state of West Virginia and needs to be addressed. One area that could help would be the addition of reading programs in elementary schools to help improve our students' reading proficiency. Of course this would require additional funding but it would be well worth it in improving West Virginia's reading proficiency against the national average.

The second graph compares West Virginia's NAEP reading scores for eighth grade to the national average for the years 2003, 2005, and 2007. This chart indicates the gradual reduction of West Virginia's 8th grade reading scores compared to the national average. In 2003, West Virginia was only one point beneath the national average in reading proficiency. In 2005, West Virginia slipped to five points below the national average. In 2007, the state was six points below the average. This is a major cause of concern and indicates that there is a need to look at how statewide funds are being used for reading programs. The state needs to re-evaluate the effectiveness of their reading programs and find ways to improve upon our students' reading ability. The state should look at programs that they were using leading up to 2003 when our test scores were consistent with the national average.

The source of this data was from the NAEP website.