St. Mary students increase LEAP scores in math, science

St. Mary public school students increased their math and science scores in LEAP testing during the 2021-22 school year.

The percentage of St. Mary students achieving “Basic or above” in math increased at all tested levels in grades 3 through 8, the school district said in a press release Thursday. The percentage of students scoring at the "Basic or above" level rose in four of six grade levels.

Overall, students attaining LEAP achievement levels of “Mastery+” remained the same at 28% for the total student population and increased from 28% to 29% for grades 3 through 8.

The school system is awaiting the release of summary data for ELPT (English Language Proficiency Test), which is the assessment administered to students whose primary language is not English, as well as official graduation rates for the Class of 2021. Both measures are part of a school’s performance score and associated letter grade.

“As we prepare for what we hope will be a year with few interruptions to student learning, St. Mary Parish will continue to offer time within the school day for evidence-based interventions and acceleration of learning,” the district said in a press release. “Students will also have the opportunity to receive afterschool tutoring services that align to their academic needs as demonstrated by the LEAP data released. Most importantly, our schools will continue to provide students with daily instruction that encompasses standards-aligned lessons to lead to mastery of those standards.”

Upon a thorough analysis of the LEAP 2025 score release, Superintendent Dr. Teresa Bagwell congratulated students and teachers in persisting through the many challenges to remain vigilant in their academic growth. A special congratulations is extended to J.S. Aucoin Elementary, which was recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education as one of the

“Top Schools” in the state in one-year academic achievement growth as measured by the LEAP 2025 test.