MUNCIE, Ind. – Burris Laboratory School has one of the top academic programs in the state based on the recent statewide assessment test results.

Burris, a K-12 public school operated by Ball State University, was ranked sixth among all state schools for overall test scores by the Indiana Department of Education.

ISTEP+ is Indiana's statewide assessment program, administered to Indiana students in grades 3, 6, 8 and 10. ISTEP+ (Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus) is a testing program designed to help students and educators achieve at high levels.

Donna Biggs, Burris’ principal, said the ranking is a clear demonstration of how teachers and parents worked diligently to prepare students for all aspects of academic life.

ISTEP assessment allows administrators, teachers, students, and parents to determine how students are mastering basic skills in English/language arts and mathematics and to tailor instruction to students’ specific needs.

"The rationale behind such scores must be credited to the hard work of teachers, parents and to the students themselves," Biggs said. "Burris students take ownership of their curriculum and work collaboratively with teachers to maintain high academic standards. Such scores are a validation of all their efforts."

Burris was established in 1929 as part of Teachers College at Ball State University. In 1990, Burris, with the addition of the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, became part of University Schools at Ball State.