Denver Public Schools Nearing State Averages For PARCC Scores

Test results for last spring’s statewide PARCC tests are in for more than 1,800 schools in Colorado. Though Denver schools continue to lag behind state averages, the gap is rapidly closing.

"A decade ago, our middle schools students in math were 30 points behind middle school math students in the rest of the state," said Superintendent Tom Boasberg. "This year we’ve caught up entirely to rest of state."

In English, about 33 percent of Denver students met or exceeded expectations compared to 40 percent statewide. In math, 25 percent are on target compared to 29 percent statewide.

Boasberg did say that achievement gaps between low-income students and their wealthier peers continue to widen.

The new PARCC tests are much harder, reflecting new, tougher academic standards.