College of Education Releases Test Data: 93 Percent of Students Pass Required Tests

Contact: Michelle Wilson, (740) 593-9341 or Jess Goode, (740) 593-1886 or goode@ohio.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (April 10, 2001) -- Ohio University's College of Education released data today that showed 93 percent of its 1999-2000 graduates passed the state required tests and are eligible for certification in the state of Ohio. Ohio University surpassed the statewide pass rate of 91 percent.

"We are pleased with the performance of Ohio University students," said James Heap, dean of the College of Education. "Given that Ohio has set among the highest test standards in the nation, the 93 percent pass rate is a significant accomplishment. It affirms that we are producing competent, qualified teachers for Ohio."

The data, which are based on 13 different tests taken by Ohio University students, are grouped into four aggregate categories. Within the three categories in which there were many test takers, Ohio University scored above the state pass rate in two categories and scored one percentage point below the state pass rate in the third. In the final category, where only 38 students took the tests, Ohio University had a pass rate of 95 percent; the state pass rate was 98 percent.

On the individual tests themselves, Ohio University achieved a pass rate of 90 percent or higher on 12 of the 13 tests reported. Eight of those 12 were above the state pass rate. Ohio University students achieved a 100 percent pass rate on five of the tests: Professional Knowledge, Early Childhood Education, Education in the Elementary School, Social Studies Content Knowledge and Art Content Knowledge.

The data released today are required by federal law as mandated by the 1998 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. The data must be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education who in turn will submit the information to the U.S. Department of Education.

A copy of the College of Education's test data that was released today can be viewed at www.ohiou.edu/education/pa/010406.html

James Heap, Dean of the College of Education can be reached for comment at (740) 593-9449 (office) or at (740) 594-9685 (home).