By MATT SCHOOLEY 

Bow students scored well as the second- through eighth-grade results from the New England Common Assessment Program were recently released.

The test, taken in fall 2007, reflects students’ performance in the 2006-07 school year. Bow scored above the state average in every grade in the categories of reading, writing and math.

“The results were very positive. Bow is doing well in every category, but I was most happy to see the growth in reading,” said Superintendent of Schools Dean Cascadden. “Not only are we getting kids who are ready to learn, but we’re improving as we go along.”

In reading, third-graders were 79 percent proficient in Bow, compared to 77 percent in the state. Eighth-grade students in Bow scored 95 percent proficient, while the state average dipped to 67 percent.

Cascadden is especially impressed with the improvement as students advance grade levels.

“I think the school system is doing a good job of teaching kids according to state standards. The knock is that we have a great product to begin with and, yes, we do,” he said. “But at the same time, we’re working well with them as they get better as time goes on.”

Students remained about level in math throughout the grades, as third-graders scored 82 percent proficient and eighth-graders were 81 percent proficient.

“While we stayed level compared to the state, we aren’t losing ground,” said Cascadden.

Although the eighth-grade score of 81 percent proficient did not improve on the scores, it is significantly higher than the state average of 58 percent.

“Having a great staff is a part of it, and there’s a collective drive and vision of excellence in the district. People move here because of the tremendous school system,” said Cascadden. “Excellence breeds excellence. You have people who want to be here, kids who want to learn and a great staff. It works together to breed a great school district.”