Nearly 1,400 Arizona third-graders to be held back after poor tests

Jul 12, 2016, 5:54 AM | Updated: 10:43 am
(AP Photo)...
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)

PHOENIX — Nearly 1,400 Arizona third-graders will not be joining their classmates in making the jump to fourth grade after performing poorly on a state test.

The Arizona Department of Education said the third-graders did not pass the math and English portions of the Arizona’s Measurement of Educational Readiness to Inform Teaching — AzMERIT — test.

More than 60 percent of students failed at least part of the test, according to preliminary results released by the department late last month.

“The good news is that we’re seeing slight improvements across almost every grade in Math, except in grade eight,” Erin Hart, COO of Expect More Arizona, said when the preliminary results were released.

Sally Stewart with the department said it’s important parents get kids the help they need if they did not pass.

“Anything that the school district can provide,” she said. “It will be up to the local school district to see what they can do, to help those students.”

It’s not clear what – if any – effect the holding back of students will have on classrooms sizes.

KTAR’s Kathy Cline and Corbin Carson contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photos/Gila County Sheriff's Office)...
KTAR.com

Arizona couple missing after vehicle found in floodwaters

An Arizona couple is missing after their vehicle was found stuck in floodwaters in Gila County on Wednesday, authorities said.
10 hours ago
(AP File Photo/Matt Rourke)...
KTAR.com

Woman shot to death, man injured near downtown Phoenix

Police in Phoenix are investigating the fatal shooting of a woman near downtown Wednesday night.
10 hours ago
(Pexels Photo)...
KTAR.com

1 dead after early-morning fire in Mesa business complex

One person was found dead after a small flash fire at a Mesa business early Thursday, first responders said.
10 hours ago
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)...
Associated Press

Arizona high court rejects all but 1 of Kari Lake’s election claims

The Arizona Supreme Court has declined to hear most of Republican Kari Lake’s appeal in a challenge of her defeat in the governor’s race but revived a claim that was dismissed by a trial court.
10 hours ago
(Facebook Photo/Cartwright Elementary School)...
Griselda Zetino

Valley school district switches to 4-day workweek to recruit, retain staff

A Phoenix-area school district is switching to a four-day workweek to attract new employees and entice current ones to stay on the job.
10 hours ago
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)...
KTAR.com

Arizona marijuana products voluntarily recalled due to fungus concerns

Arizona’s marijuana industry is voluntarily recalling products due to Aspergillus, a fungus that can cause allergic reactions or infection.
10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...
Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.
(Pexels Photo)...

Sports gambling can be fun for adults, but it’s a dangerous game for children

While adults may find that sports gambling is a way to enhance the experience with more than just fandom on the line, it can be a dangerous proposition if children get involved in the activity.
...
Quantum Fiber

How high-speed fiber internet edges out cable for everyday use

In a world where technology drives so much of our daily lives, a lack of high-speed internet can be a major issue.
Nearly 1,400 Arizona third-graders to be held back after poor tests