This Week in Education Policy & Priorities: Indiana Preps for Pandemic Test Scores, Chiefs For Change Chair Implores More States to Use Assessments to Gauge COVID Slide & More
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Thanks to a significant increase in federal funding for education, schools and districts are implementing a greater number of programs and initiatives to address learning recovery for students during the pandemic.
However, according to a survey conducted by Understanding America, many parents are not excited about the various learning options available during the pandemic. This includes high-dosage tutoring, extended summer school, and community-organized pods. There is also divided opinion on virtual learning, with some parents and schools embracing the use of technology in education, while others are eager to return to in-person learning.
During a recent school board meeting in our town, parents expressed their concerns about the lack of plans for addressing learning loss and mental health. A survey has found that parents are not particularly satisfied with the K-12 COVID recovery solutions currently being discussed.
In addition to these concerns, here are four other noteworthy updates in the field of education this week, from both state and federal governments and school districts:
Indiana: Key Aspects to Observe in the State’s 2021 Test Scores
Tommy Reddicks, CEO of the Paramount charter school network, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to student data during this critical time. Teachers in Indiana are analyzing data from the state’s summative assessment and identifying significant gaps in student knowledge and progress. They are also assessing the effectiveness of remote instruction platforms. As one school leader states, "These findings reveal the real challenges our students face in terms of academic performance."
Chiefs for Change Chair: Assessments Necessary to Evaluate Student Progress Post-Pandemic
Pedro Martinez, superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District and chair of Chiefs for Change, advocates for the continued administration of standardized tests. Martinez emphasizes the need for data on the pandemic’s impact on student learning to guide educational leaders at all levels. With new data suggesting substantial learning loss, Martinez states, "We cannot allow this to happen. It’s crucial for families, educators, and leaders to understand what children have and have not learned, so we can design effective strategies to help them catch up and move forward." Martinez provides examples of how testing data has been utilized in San Antonio schools to match teachers with students who need additional support and to shape teacher development and training.
Reality Check: Understanding the Concept of "Evidence-Based" Learning Programs
A group of education researchers emphasizes the need for careful consideration when allocating federal funding for evidence-based programs and instructional systems. They believe that decision-makers should not rely solely on one positive study but should provide guidance to educators on suitable investments. The researchers argue that expecting every school or district to thoroughly investigate each new educational practice is impractical and inefficient due to the time and research required to establish an evidence base.
Delaware: How a New Language Arts Program Transformed a School District
A district in Delaware successfully turned things around by implementing a new language arts program. This program has had a positive impact on student achievement and outcomes. Further details about the program and its success are available.
Throughout the country, schools are emerging from the pandemic and shifting their focus towards assisting students in reengaging and excelling academically. Simultaneously, they are receiving an unprecedented amount of federal funding. As a result, many educators are reconsidering their curriculum and recognizing the potential benefits of implementing high-quality and innovative teaching materials for the benefit of students, teachers, and even families. In fact, according to Morgan Polikoff, an associate professor at USC, investing in and adopting high-quality curriculum is now essential to continue the progress made in adopting more demanding standards.
This update, which explores the Every Student Succeeds Act and the current education plans being implemented by states and school districts, is a collaborative effort with ESSA Essentials. ESSA Essentials is an ongoing series created by the Collaborative for Student Success. This update is an extension of their ESSA Advance newsletter, which you can subscribe to here! (You can also find our past ESSA updates from previous weeks here.)
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