COVID & School Recovery: Washington Hopes New Science Curriculum Will Boost Student Engagement
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New data from statewide summative assessments in the 2021-22 school year are shedding light on the current state of student progress. These assessments reveal the significant impact of the pandemic on learning and, in some areas, highlight schools that have been successful in helping students recover, as reported by K-12 Dive.
In states such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Virginia, student test scores are gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels. This is encouraging for those who believe progress is being made but concerning for many who still observe the severe effects of school closures on teaching and learning.
However, in Los Angeles, student scores indicate substantial learning loss in both English Language Arts (ELA) and math, with less than a third of students reaching proficiency. Districts in Connecticut report plummeting scores across all subjects and grades. Although New Mexico has introduced a new teacher-developed assessment, making it challenging to compare scores to previous years, state results show that only about a quarter of students are scoring proficiently.
These results align with national assessments and data, such as the NAEP exam and findings from nonprofit assessment maker NWEA. They confirm the significant impact of the pandemic and emphasize the importance of wisely investing available recovery funds for schools and districts.
Beyond assessments, here are nine other updates from around the country on how states and school systems are addressing the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants. These updates focus on preserving student progress amid the pandemic:
1. Open-source science curriculum from @OpenSciEd is empowering science teachers in Washington to facilitate lessons that encourage student-driven learning, increase engagement, and promote scientific thinking and learning.
2. In Washington, the lack of high-quality, engaging, and affordable science curriculum has been a barrier to implementing rigorous science instruction aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. However, OpenSciEd’s openly developed and freely available curriculum shows promise in reinvigorating science instruction in schools and districts.
3. Texas and Tennessee have successfully closed achievement gaps in math and helped students get back on track by implementing high-dosage tutoring programs. They have also partnered with Zearn, a highly regarded, open-source math learning platform.
4. Florida’s recent statewide science exam results reveal that only 48% of fifth-graders passed, with less than a quarter of students reaching proficiency. This poses concerns for these struggling students as they transition into middle school, where science courses become more challenging.
5. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has proposed a $2 billion increase in funding for K-12 schools. With a projected $5 billion surplus in the state’s funds, Evers believes that investing in children and schools is essential for the future well-being of the state.
By staying updated on these developments, educators and stakeholders can better navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and ensure that student progress is preserved.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently proposed a new budget of nearly $2 billion for K-12 education in the state, with a focus on literacy programs, student mental health support, and free lunch programs for all students. Evers emphasized the importance of providing assistance to students, families, and schools in order to address the challenges they have faced in recent years and ensure that every child has the necessary resources for success.
In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp announced that over $37.4 million in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds will be allocated to organizations supporting learning recovery in the state. These funds will be distributed to various community and public organizations, including the Georgia Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, the Georgia Alliance of YMCAs, and the Georgia Department of Education. The intention is to address the learning loss caused by the pandemic by supporting programs such as community-based tutoring, summer and after-school initiatives, and expanded services for students with special needs.
California is on track to become the 20th state to mandate kindergarten attendance for all students, starting in the 2024-25 school year. A bill awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature would require all students to attend kindergarten, based on research showing the positive impact of early childhood education on long-term outcomes such as income, teen pregnancy rates, and higher education attainment. Although the bill was ultimately vetoed, Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho of the Los Angeles Unified School District expressed support for the legislation.
In Indiana, a $111 million investment is being made to improve early literacy rates. The state and Lilly Endowment Inc. are partnering to support early literacy development using evidence-based teaching techniques aligned with the "science of reading." This funding will not only benefit students by improving their literacy skills, but it will also provide professional development opportunities for teachers and additional instruction on Science of Reading methods for future educators.
The District of Columbia is rolling out a program called DCPS Readers Next Door, which aims to improve student reading levels. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the D.C. Public Schools to enhance reading instruction and increase literacy rates. The program incorporates decodable texts and curriculum aligned with the science of reading, and it features content from D.C. authors and educators. These resources are particularly important in light of the impact of the pandemic on learning, as recent standardized test scores have revealed a decline in reading proficiency among D.C. students.
Finally, Nebraska has approved new math standards that place a greater emphasis on data and statistics. These updated standards seek to enhance math education by focusing on these key areas. By incorporating data and statistics into the curriculum, Nebraska aims to provide students with a more well-rounded math education that prepares them for future challenges and opportunities.
This report provides a comprehensive account of the progress made in the education sector towards recovering from the pandemic. It aims to disseminate news updates at district, state, and national levels, as all parties involved collaborate to create secure and inventive strategies to resume schooling and tackle the issue of learning loss. This initiative is an extension of the QuickSheet newsletter by the Collaborative for Student Success, which you can easily subscribe to.
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