D.C. Public School students showed significant gains in both reading and math test scores this year, though still less than half of all elementary and secondary students are proficient in the basics, according to preliminary figures released Wednesday.
The “dramatic” results of the annual D.C. Comprehensive Assessment System tests validate his administration’s focus on education andclassroom instruction, Mayor Adrian Fenty said during a news conference at Southeast’s Plummer Elementary School.
And the mayor acknowledged former Superintendent Clifford Janey, whom Fenty fired last summer, also is due some recognition.
“I don’t really think it matters who gets the credit for kids’ test scores improving,” the mayor said. “What’s important is the test scores improved. I’d say there’s probably plenty of credit to go around.”
Forty-six percent of elementary school students proved proficient in reading and 40 percent in math, up 8 and 11 percent, respectively, over the previous year. Among secondary school students, 39 percent were proficient in reading and 36 percent in math, both up 9 percent over 2006-2007.
While unexpected, the gains are “a testament to what our kids are able to do when put in the right situations,” said schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. The tests are taken by students in grades three through eight and 10.
Mary Levy of the Washington Lawyers Committee said the scores show the District is “doing better but not well.”
The improvement in scores was tempered by the relatively low number of schools achieving Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind. Four fewer secondary schools made AYP in math and two fewer in reading, according to preliminary statistics issued by the state superintendent of education. Elementary schools had greater success — 17 more met AYP this year than last in math, and 10 more in reading.
“It means that we have quite a ways to go, and I think it’s also indicative of everything being guided by No Child Left Behind, because even if you do better you are still considered failing,” said Iris Toyer, chairwoman of Parents United for D.C. Public Schools.
Fenty assumed control of the public schools last June, hiring Rhee to head up the reform effort. In the last year the chancellor has fired hundreds of central office staff, principals and teachers, announced she would close two dozen schools, and taken a hard line with the teachers union in contract negotiations. But she has not focused on curriculum and standards like Janey did.
Plummer Principal Christopher Gray cited an improved testing environment, enthusiastic teachers and eager students for his school’s jump in scores — up 17 percent in reading and 15 percent in math.
