State reveals Cheney testing results from 2012-13

When it comes to reading and math 1 (algebra), Cheney High School students are tops.

According to information from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Cheney High students received scores of 91.1 percent in reading and 88.4 percent in math 1, well above the state average of 83.5 and 80.7 percent and the highest among 13 schools in the Spokane-area. The district was fourth in writing at 90.5 percent, behind Deer Park (92.9), Mead (94.6) and Mt. Spokane (94.7), and was fourth in biology at 91.3 percent, trailing Ferris (92.7), Mt. Spokane (93.0) and Mead (94.8).

Cheney was seventh overall in math 2 at 93.3 percent, still well above the state average of 89.4. Medical Lake was second in math 2 (95.9), seventh in writing (89.8), eighth in biology (88.7), ninth in reading (84.7) and 12th in math 1.

CHS assistant principal Ray Picicci said the school’s scores, particularly in reading and math 1, were good, considering the district’s number of students from economically disadvantaged families.

“Typically, districts with higher free and reduced rates have a more difficult time meeting the state average,” Picicci wrote in an email.

Picicci added the school’s success stemmed from teacher collaboration in formulating goals for student growth. Teachers also personalize their lessons “to make students feel safe and ready to learn.”

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.