NAEP Scores Reveal Continued Shortcomings

The release of the 2017 national student performance data should not give educators or parents anything to cheer about. There was no performance level above 50% in any assessed category at and of the tested grade levels (4th, 8^th &12^th).

Here are a few examples of how US students performed.

Mathematics (Percentage of students at or above proficiency levels)

Grade 4- 40%

Grade 8 34%

Grade 12-25%

Science

Grade 4-38%

Grade 8-34%

Grade 12- 22%

Reading

Grade 4- 37%

Grade 8-36%

Grade 12- 37%

The numbers were even more abysmal for civics, US history and geography.

Some individual states, like Florida, did experience some increased at some grade levels in some of the specific content areas.

 This would not be the first warning to educators, parents, and government officials, that unless we as a nation do something to turn the tide of student performance, the US will continue to face a decline in areas a expertise on the world stage.

Charter school have not helped neither has giving every student a laptop made any significant difference.

The recent teacher demonstrations in several states have uncovered a truth; states have been shortchanging their students by cutting education costs and allowing facilities to decay and textbooks to become obsolete. The time has come for all like- minded concerned citizens to come together devise plans to shore up our education infrastructure.

For more specific information about the nation’s report card go to nationsreportcard.gov.

C.2018 J., Margolis

Teachers Getting Their Voice

First it was the teachers of state of West Virginia, clamoring for a livable salary.

Their message is now beginning to resonate across the country in Oklahoma and Kentucky. But the message of these teachers and those community members who support them is not just about salary. It is about conditions in schools that are falling apart. It is about textbooks that are disintegrating and are obsolete. It about schools that have to meet only four days a week because the district cannot pay for a fifth day of electricity. There are schools wit ipads for students but no Wi-Fi for them to connect to. These teachers, who are committed to the success of their students, are storming the halls of their state legislatures. It is unfortunate that students are missing school days, but it is hoped that this is short lived and that they days will be made up. How can we as a nation continue to lead the world in scientific development and economic prowess if we have substandard schools, many that been neglected for too long.

The US Secretary of Education is strangely absent on these matters.

In the meantime, the students, teachers, parents and community leaders of Parkland, Florida continue on their quest to protect students through school safety measures and gun control.

According to reports the state of Arizona may be next for teacher activism. As this drive gathers momentum, it will be up to the public to determine what the future of education in America will be.

c.2018 J. Margolis