When the announcement came Tuesday, math teacher Becky Bowling heard little restraint in Symmes Valley Multi-Level students’ excitement.

Thursday, May 25, 2000

When the announcement came Tuesday, math teacher Becky Bowling heard little restraint in Symmes Valley Multi-Level students’ excitement.

"They told it over the intercom and the whole school just exploded," Mrs. Bowling said.

Students cheered their Ninth Grade Proficiency Test scores – numbers that showed they passed all five portions of the state’s annual academic exam given in the eighth grade.

"Last year, we passed four out of five," principal Bob Harris said. "This year, it’s all five, which is very difficult."

And, specific subject scores came in above 80 percent, surpassing the state’s 75 percent requirement to be considered passing, Mrs. Bowling said.

"We challenged them and they met that challenge," she said.

By subject, 93 percent passed writing; 88 percent passed reading; 87 percent passed math; 86 percent passed citizenship and 80 percent passed science, superintendent Tom Ben said.

Those scores placed Symmes Valley first in the county in reading, math and science, second in citizenship and fourth in writing, Ben said.

Sixty-nine percent of test-takers passed all five proficiency sections, a tremendous number, he said.

"The numbers show the effort is being made, so you’re always encouraged you’re doing something right," Ben said.

"Although, you’re never really satisfied until everybody passes."

The superintendent also said where there is success, there are committed teachers, very involved parents and students meeting a challenge.

Mrs. Bowling added that the scores reflect not only eighth-grade teachers’ work but also the work in kindergarten through eighth-grade.

One of the keys has been motivation, she said.

Staff also dedicated themselves to professional development and the district’s continuous improvement plan, life sciences teacher Richard Wiseman said.

Students missed the passing mark in science by only a few points last year, Wiseman said.

Trying new approaches and teaching students that good scores mean good futures has helped, he said.

For example, students are coached that they should not give up on trying to find an answer, on science questions or anywhere, Wiseman said.

"There’s a lot of changes, but we want to try for the kids," he said.

"I give most of the credit for this to just a good group of kids."

The test-takers celebrated Wednesday with a trip to Johnson’s Sports World in Proctorville.

"It’s important because I haven’t passed all five before," student Kelly Townsend said.

Amelia Bryant agreed, then added she didn’t want to have to take the tests again.

To Brittany Hakes, the real proficiency test will come later in life.

"Better education is a better job then," she said.