STUCK IN A RUT: Not so great news from newly released National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Scores from 2013 tests in math and reading have remained stagnant for high school seniors when compared to 2009 results. The average math score remain at 153 out of a possible 300; 26 percent of students scoring at or above proficient. Reading fares slightly better, but still unchanged at 288 out of 500, 37 percent score at or above proficient.
Analysts cite higher graduation rates as a possible reason for stagnation, putting lower performing students into the testing pool who would have otherwise dropped out before taking the 12th grade test. The new results also show no changes by gender, race, or ethnicity, indicating the achievement gap is still alive and well. More details at EdWeek.
