Overall, schools in the state (including Bladen) saw an average improvement of two percent in the ABC program.
In its seventh year, the end-of-grade tests are part of the ABC's of Education, a state program designed to improve performance and accountability in individual schools and systems.
Under the ABC's program, School systems are required to establish academic goals and ensure students are performing at grade level or better in basic study subjects like reading, mathematics and science. Standards for high schools are tighter than those for lower grades, and factor in such things as the dropout rate and the number of students taking college or technical preparatory classes.
Superintendent Byron Lawson said he was "pleased" with the results.
Two of the county's schools, Dublin Elementary and Bladen Lakes Primary, were listed as Schools of Distinction, the second highest level. Eight were above the state average.
East Bladen High School and Tar Heel Middle/High School were listed as Priority Schools, although East Bladen still met its anticipated level of improvement over last year.
No Bladen County schools were rated as Low Performing, the poorest level of testing. Low Performing schools are subject to intervention by the state.
Eight of the county's 13 schools met or exceeded their goals.
"We're happy that our students are performing better than in years past," Lawson said.
Booker T. Washington Primary, Plain View Primary, Bladenboro High, Bladenboro Primary, and East Arcadia Elementary were listed as Schools of Progress.
A writing assessment for grades four and seven was dropped from the scores statewide after teachers and students complained the test was unclear and grading was erratic.
According to a release from the N.C. Dept. of Public Instruction, 43 percent of N.C. schools were rated as Schools of Excellence or Schools of Distinction, the two highest levels.
In Schools of Excellence, 90-100 percent of students score at or above grade level. In Schools of Distinction, 80-89 percent of schools make grade level or above.
No Recognition schools see 60-100 percent of students performing at or above grade, level, with less than Expected Growth.
Schools of progress report 60-79 percent of students at grade level. If a school reports 50-59 percent of students at grade level, it is classified as a Priority School.
A score of less than 50 percent earns a Low-Performing School designation..
Teachers in high performing schools receive bonuses based on school performance.
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