Public school students completed Washington State’s Smarter Balanced Assessment this fall and preliminary results were released earlier this month.[1] Scores were significantly lower than in previous years. Only 30% of students met the standard for math, down from 47% in 2019, and 47% of students met the standard for English, down from 60% in 2019 [Fig 1.].
Student test scores for 2021 have not yet been released according to school district, but scores for Skagit County public schools from 2018-2019 are shown in Fig 2. While multiple conditions of the current assessment were not consistent with previous tests[2], it is clear that school closures, online “learning” and other Covid policies implemented by public schools were very disadvantageous to student learning.
What is an acceptable percentage of students meeting basic standards? OSPI set a goal of 90% meeting basic standards by 2027 in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan from 2017.[3] It is clear that we have a long way to go to reach the ESSA goal and a huge course correction is needed, not only with test scores, but with funding as well.[4] [5] [6] [7]
With school levies on the ballot for the February 8 special election, it is important to consider how our school districts are performing.[8] We all want our kids to achieve proficiency in basic subjects and to have meaningful and diverse experiences during their education. Public Schools don’t appear to be achieving our expressed needs [9] [10] and the current system is breaking the bank for struggling tax payers.
Additional articles covering the 2021 Assessment scores that are enlightening:
Seattle Times article, “Washington students’ test scores drop significantly in first exams since pandemic began,” here.
Washington Policy Center article, “As academic learning declines, some officials seek even more money for education,” here.
Spokseman Review article, “Chris Cargill: We need to restore faith in Washington’s public education system,” here.