8th Grade Science Test Scores

Correlation of Teacher Attendance and Student Reading Growth In order to better prepare students in the content area of Science, I determined whether the Mississippi Science Test Two (MST2) scores for Fifth Grade could help predict MST2 scores for Eighth Grade. In order to complete a correlation and regression, I requested MST2 score reports. I utilized a sample of scores for Former Fifth Grade students who tested in Spring 2012. Fifth Graders who tested in Spring 2012 were also tested in Eighth Grade in Spring 2015. In Microsoft Excel for Mac 2011, the Formula Builder was utilized for conducting a correlation and regression. The result of the correlation and regression test was .76. The correlation coefficient squared resulted in .58. The findings indicated a strong relationship in a positive direction between students’ Fifth Grade Science Scores and Eighth Grade Science Scores. Also, 58% of Eighth Graders’ Science Test scores could be attributed to their Fifth Grade Science Test scores. The F value was 45.03, and the significance resulted in .012, which concludes the regression model significantly predicted Eighth Grade Science Test scores based on Fifth Grade Science Test scores. An intercept of 25.5 indicated a score of at least 26 for Eighth Graders, even with the absence of a Fifth Grade score. The X variable represented a unit change outcome
of .82, which signifies a student’s Eighth Grade Science Score could possibly increase 82 points, depending on the Fifth Grade Science Test scores. The simple regression test predicts Eighth Grade scores significantly well, based on Fifth Grade Science Test scores. However, the significant result is not cause to assume all students who score high on the MST2 for Fifth Grade will make high scores on the MST2 for Eighth Grade. For example, Student 3 scored 163 on the MST2 in Fifth Grade but scored 153, 10 points lower, on the MST2 for Eighth Grade. Also, Student 28 scored 144 on the MST2 for Fifth Grade and scored 155, 10 points higher, on the MST2 for Eighth Grade. The results of the correlation and regression suggest Fifth Grade Science Test Scores significantly impact Eighth Grade Science Test scores.
In order to maximize such a significant predictor, collaboration between Fifth and Eighth Grade Science Teachers should take place. Byhalia Elementary School (BES) and Byhalia Middle School Science (BMS) should work together to develop a curriculum plan, which ensures mastery of Science skills throughout Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades. Team planning amongst BES and BMS Science teachers would help ensure effective and consistent instruction in all Science
classrooms.