– Missouri students fall below national average in reading and math skills
– The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report card reveals sobering reality
– Call for increased transparency in Missouri school performance grading
Falling Behind in Academics
Missouri’s classrooms have not returned to normal after the pandemic year and it’s showing in the reports. As children prepare for yet another academic year, the effect of the pandemic on their education is undeniable. The bitter truth is that Missouri students are falling short in reading and math aptitudes, as compared to their nationwide counterparts.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), aka the “Nation’s Report Card,” Missouri students’ performances are not only below the national average but are showing a declining trend. The sobering revelation calls into question the effectiveness of the state’s education strategies, particularly at a time when a world-class education system is more crucial than ever.
A Call for Transparency
As alarming as these educational shortcomings are, they can only be successfully addressed with a clear understanding of their root causes. Consequently, education activists are championing increased transparency in how school performance is assessed in Missouri. It is their firm belief that rigorous, transparent grading of school performance is a significant step towards improving the quality of education in the state.
The push for transparency is not just about identifying the problems or shortcomings within the education system. It is about shining a spotlight on what works and what doesn’t, so teachers and education administrators can learn from each other, continually improving the system for the benefit of all Missouri students.
The Breezy Take
Missouri’s students are lagging behind nationally in some key areas, and this is cause for the alarm bells to ring. But, every problem is a call to action and this can serve as an avenue to spotlight the need for increased transparency in school performance grading. By embracing transparency, we can identify the issues better, correcting them effectively, and advancing our education system. In this significantly challenging aftermath of the pandemic, it’s imperative to offer Missouri students the education they deserve.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/15/turning-missouri-education-around-begins-with-transparent-school-performance/