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2nd-Grade Scores Up With Smaller Classes

Test scores among second-graders are up 12% since school officials cut class sizes last year, according to a new Fountain Valley School District report.

District second-graders scored in the 74.3 percentile on the national Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, up from the 66.3 percentile last year.

Scores represent combined results in reading, language arts, spelling and mathematics.

A summary of the findings found that math and spelling skills were particularly strong and that Fountain Valley students outperformed many of their counterparts nationwide.

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“I know we are very gratified to report that our second-grade test scores have certainly improved, giving credence to our class-size reduction,” said Susan Grantham, assistant to the superintendent.

“It’s a great relief. That’s what we wanted to see.”

The results represent 612 second-graders who are now in classrooms of 20 or fewer students per teacher.

The previous ratio was about 30 to 1.

Fountain Valley has reduced the size of first and second grade classes and plans to add third grade to the program in the fall.

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It eventually will examine programs for kindergarten and possibly fourth grade.

School trustees will announce the test results at their meeting Thursday at 7:15 p.m. at district headquarters, 17210 Oak St.

The board also plans to adopt its 1997-98 budget.

Information: (714) 843-3255.

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