In case you missed it, the 2015 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) Assessment results were released in October. And for the first time in two decades we saw a dip in our 4th & 8th grade assessment scores.
The NAEP Assessment is issued once every two years and only represents one data point from a nationally representative group of students. However, the fact that 4th and 8th Grade students are performing worse in math and slightly worse in reading compared to the results 2 years ago is likely due in part, amongst many other factors, to the "curricular uncertainty" that exists today.
As William J. Bushaw, Executive Director of the National Assessment Governing Board, states "The majority of our schools are undergoing significant changes in how and what we teach our students. It is not unusual when you see lots of different things happening in classrooms to see a decline before you see improvement."
Many experts believe that the curriculum changes many districts were required to make to meet common core standards is behind the drop in assessment scores after an upward trend for the past two decades. According to the 2015 Math NAEP Assessment, only 40% of 4th graders were at or above the proficient level and 33% of 8th graders were at or above proficiency. In reading 36% of 4th graders and 34% of 8th graders were at or above the proficent level.
Since NAEP test items have been shown to have "reasonable" overlap with Common Core State Standards, this study does have special significance for states currently implementing the Common Core.
8th Grade Math NAEP Achievement Level Results:
How FEV Tutor Can Help:
FEV Tutor offers targeted virtual tutoring solutions that can help schools and districts to navigate the current education space and what feels like it's ever changing standards.
We have worked with several schools from both Common Core and non-Common Core states to help students prepare for high stakes exams. Typically in our Test Prep tutoring programs, FEV analyzes existing student benchmark data to create Personalized Tutoring Plans for each student enrolled in the program.
Students work 1-on-1 with a live tutor to fill in any skill-gaps and to grow on their path to proficiency leading up to state or national exams. Teachers enjoy this approach to tutoring, as they can focus valuable classroom time on grade-appropriate material and stay on track with their pacing guide while tutors build foundational skills that address knowledge gaps.
Interested in Learning More?
To learn how FEV Tutor is able to align our tutoring to our partner's curriculum, state standards, goals and initiatives to make an impact on student achievement gains, please schedule a demonstration with one of our Educational Consultants.
We would love to discuss how we can utilize your students' existing benchmark data, NWEA Assessment Items, customized tutorial content, and our professional tutors to create a unique tutoring program ideally suited for your students prepare for high stakes exams.
