By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Despite discussions over the controversial question on the writing portion of the required Basic Skills Test, students throughout the region passed the test.

The test, administered to 65,783 public and private school tenth-graders in January, is the third part of a triad of tests that are administered beginning in the eighth grade.

Many lawmakers felt the test's single question, "If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?" was too personal and demanded that the tests be destroyed.

Their efforts failed, but students were allowed the opportunity to answer a second question if they felt it was too personal, according to information from the Department of Children, Families and Learning.

Students were given time to prepare a rough draft before submitting a final copy, and there was no requirement on the length of the essay. Judges based the scores on the clarity of ideas; coherent focus; organization; detailed support or elaboration of the ideas; and language conventions.

At the state level, approximately 86 percent of those taking the test met the minimum requirements, with an average score of 3.1. Of those tested, 11 percent were special education students; 3 percent had limited English proficiency; 20 percent are enrolled in free and reduced lunch programs; 8 percent were students who had entered the state since Jan. 1; and 1 percent had no geographic information available.

There was a possible score of six, which is considered exceptionally skillful. Anything above three was considered passing. Approximately 70 percent of the students tested in the state scored four or higher. Anything below four is basic. The regional average was 3.1. For private schools, the average was 3.3.

In District 88, which served as one of the pilot sites when the tests were first introduced during the 1998-1999 school year, the scores have always remained above the state average for all three portions, Curriculum Director Bill Sprung said.

In New Ulm, there were 239 students tested out of 249 enrolled on the day of the test, with an average score of 3.2. There were 88 percent of those students who met the minimum requirements.

"We scored above the state average, and we're pleased with that," Sprung said. "The next step is for us to sit down and see where we want to be for next year. We will see how to improve, how we want to get there, and develop a process plan."

Out of those tested, there were about four students who took advantage of the second question, stating it was too personal, Sprung said.

Overall, District 88 has managed to do well with writing development at all levels, which helps the scores some, Sprung said.

Everyone in the district was tested, with very few exemptions, according to state law. Those who were absent on the day of the test or the makeup day, will have the opportunity to retake the test on July 20.

For private schools, the state average was 95 percent, with an average score of 3.3. At Minnesota Valley Lutheran, the average was 3.2, with 100 percent of 81 students passing. At New Ulm Area Catholic Schools, the average was 3.5, with 94 percent of 52 students passing. At Sleepy Eye St. Mary's, there were 48 students tested, with 98 percent passing and an average score of 3.2.

For Brown County, Comfrey had 12 students tested, with 100 percent passing with an average score of 3.1; Sleepy Eye had 63 of 64 students tested, with 81 percent passing with an average score of 3.0; and Springfield had 68 students tested, with 93 percent passing and an average score of 3.3.

For other surrounding areas, GFW Schools had 90 students tested, with 96 percent passing and an average score of 3.1; Red Rock Central had 48 of 49 students tested, with 94 percent passing and an average score of 3.1; Redwood Falls had 108 of 113 students tested, with 91 percent passing and an average score of 3.2; Sibley East had 84 of 88 students tested, with 93 percent passing and an average score of 3.1; and Nicollet had 39 students tested, with 92 percent passing and an average score of 2.9.

Area students do well