Students achieve high scores on the Iowa Assessments

While some parents and educators have been concerned about how students would handle the transition from the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) to the Iowa Assessments, many pupils appear to be doing just fine - at least within the state's Ames Community School District.

Part of the concern over the transition was due to the fact that the Tests did not just go through a name change. According to a 2011 press release from The University of Iowa, the Iowa Assessments feature content based on the Iowa Core and the rigorous Common Core State Standards.

During the 2012-2013 academic year, students within the Ames Community School District scored above the state average on the Iowa Assessments in the areas of reading, math and science, the Ames Tribune reported. The most dramatic gains were made among the District's seventh-graders, as 92 percent of them tested proficient or above. Last year, only 86 percent of these students achieved this status.

"We're pleased that this year's scores not only remain above the state averages, but continue to show growth," Mandy Ross, Ames' associate superintendent, told the news source.