For the third Graders in the Saugus Union School District low proficiency rates in English-Language Arts may have them wondering if they should star on a TV show called “Are You Smarter Than a Second Grader.”

The just released Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (STAR) reports show an anomaly of third grade scores for English-Language Arts ranging from 20% proficiency to 61% who show basic, below basic and far below basic understanding. The average is 38% who are not proficient in English-Language Arts. Other low proficiency scores were 46, 52, 45, 43, 57, and 52.

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In a conference call, Rachel Perry, the Director of the Assessment and Accountability Division of the California Department of Education, addressed the low proficiency figures which seem to be showing up throughout the state.

“What we have found is that the test is valid and reliable for examining the California state standards at grade three,” Perry said.

After reevaluation, Perry’s division concluded the material may be more difficult for third grade students than it was for them in second grade.

Perry says she stands by the test scores.