The first batch of CSAP results are in and they show that Douglas County School District continues to lead the state in academic excellence.  Of the 4,840 third graders, 83 percent scored “proficient” or “advanced” on this year’s reading test - 10 percentage points higher than the state average.

Of the 56 DCSD elementary schools, 93 percent scored above the state average of “proficient” or “advanced” levels; 34 of the schools showed an increase or remained stable in the two categories.

The three elementary schools that showed the most significant increase in the “proficient” and “advanced” categories were Prairie Crossing (14 percent), Franktown (11 percent) and Flagstone (10 percent).

The Douglas County School District strives for increases in performance so every student reaches the target. Under the guidelines for the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, all students in all public schools must be scored as at least proficient by 2014.

The district is also pursuing strategies on how to help more students reach the “advanced” category. Right now, 37 DCSD elementary schools scored above the state average in this category and over the past four years, the District has averaged a 9 percent increase in the “advanced” category.

The numbers released last week were considered unofficial. The official CSAP results will be released by the Colorado Department of Education in August. DCSD’s Office of Research and Assessment will be analyzing the results as more information becomes available.