Despite improvement, D.C. students' math scores still lagging
By: Leah Fabel
Examiner Staff Writer
October 15, 2009
D.C. public and charter school students showed significant progress on the most recent round of national math tests, but not enough to nudge the District out of last place compared with the 50 states.
Maryland fourth-graders bucked national trends by showing improvements on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often called "The Nation's Report Card." But the state's eighth-grade scores stagnated. In Virginia, both grade levels failed to earn significant gains since the last exam in 2007.
Maryland and Virginia test scores remain among the top in the United States. In both states, students scored higher than national averages and among the top eight states in the country.
Massachusetts students at both grade levels posted the highest pass rates in the nation, serving as a dire comparison with D.C. students. About 57 percent of Massachusetts fourth-graders and 51 percent of eighth-graders scored proficient or advanced on the exams, compared with only 17 percent of fourth-graders and 11 percent of eighth-graders in D.C.
About 60 percent of D.C. eighth-graders scored "below basic" in 2009, an improvement from 66 percent in 2007.
Since 2007, only D.C. and four states showed math gains at both levels -- the two grades tested by the exams. The tests are given every two years, and are one of the only tests given to students in every state and the District.
For D.C. Chancellor Michelle Rhee, the results were both a relief and added motivation.
"The 2009 NAEP scores demonstrate tremendous growth and progress," Rhee said. "Our students, teachers, principals and parents are working hard to change expectations and the definition of excellence in our schools."
Results from the tests are often seized upon by politicians and school superintendents to advance their agendas and defend their efforts.
"Virginia students are holding on to the gains in mathematics achieved during early and middle years of the decade," said state Superintendent Patricia Wright. She defended the idling scores, however, by pointing out the efforts the state has made to ensure all students, including traditional low performers, take the tests.
Maryland Superintendent Nancy Grasmick said that "these scores offer more evidence that our reforms are paying off for students throughout the state."
Results of the 2009 reading and science scores will be released early next year. A breakdown of data by large urban areas, including D.C., will be released later this fall.
