The lesson from Tennessee and DC is that implementing the rigorous Common Core standards and aligned tests, along with strong teacher evaluations is the most effective way to make sure students have a shot at the American dream.
The National Center for Education Statistics today released scores for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which showed a relative flat performance for New York's 4th and 8th graders in math and reading.
However, Tennessee and the District of Columbia saw the most growth in the nation precisely because they pursued the policies that New York State Education Commissioner John King is under fire for pursuing now.
"The chart-topping student achievement gains in Tennessee and DC confirm that Commissioner John King's reform agenda is precisely what New York needs. The lesson from Tennessee and DC is that implementing the rigorous Common Core standards and aligned tests, along with strong teacher evaluations is the most effective way to make sure students have a shot at the American dream," said Jenny Sedlis, Executive Director of StudentsFirstNY.
NY scores remained relatively flat -- This confirms that we have a lot of work to do and that the implementation of Common Core and the tests and stakes attached need to continue.
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40 percent of 4th grade students scored proficient or better in math this year, compared to 36 percent in 2011.
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37 percent of 4th grade students scored proficient or better in reading this year, compared to 35 percent in 2011.
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32 percent of 8th grade students scored proficient or better in math this year, compared to 30 percent in 2011.
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35 percent of 8th grade students scored proficient or better in reading this year, compared to 35 percent in 2011.
D.C and Tennessee saw the fastest growth in the nation.
Secretary Arne Duncan recognized the "very, very difficult and courageous" changes implemented in Tennessee and D.C., which he credits with having an impact on the scores.
Kaya Henderson, D.C. schools chancellor, said the increases were "breakthrough gains."
The NAEP scores for NY mirrored the results from NY state tests, proving that our state standards for the first time are as rigorous as the national ones:
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36.3 percent of 4th grade students scored proficient or better in math on the state test, compared to 40 percent on the NAEP.
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30.3 percent of 4th grade students scored proficient or better in reading this year, compared to 37 percent on the NAEP.
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27.4 percent of 8th grade students scored proficient or better in math this year, compared to 32 percent on the NAEP.
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33.7 percent of 8th grade students scored proficient or better in reading this year, compared to 35 percent on the NAEP.
About StudentsFirstNY
Formed in April 2012, StudentsFirstNY with more than 150,000 members, is New York State's leading voice for students who depend on public education for the skills they need to succeed, but who are too often failed by a system that puts special interests, rather than the interests of children, first.
