Maryland education officials report rebound in English proficiency but decline in math skills
January 24, 2023 | Maryland Department of Education, School Boards, Maryland
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The Maryland State Board of Education convened on January 24, 2023, to discuss critical updates on student performance metrics, particularly focusing on English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. The meeting highlighted the recovery of ELA proficiency levels post-pandemic while revealing ongoing challenges in math performance.
During the session, officials reported that ELA proficiency among students has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with 44% of students in grades 3 through 8 and 53% in grade 10 achieving proficiency. Notably, all student groups showed improvement, with Black and Hispanic students demonstrating significant gains compared to pre-pandemic figures. For instance, Black students improved from 28% proficiency before the pandemic to 31% in 2022.
In contrast, the math results painted a less optimistic picture. The data indicated that students have not yet returned to pre-pandemic performance levels, with only 7% of all test-takers in Algebra 1 meeting proficiency standards. The report revealed that all student groups experienced learning loss during the pandemic, with Black students' proficiency dropping from 11% in 2019 to just 5% in the 2021-2022 school year.
The Board also introduced new targeted reporting tools aimed at addressing learning loss. These reports will provide detailed insights for families, educators, and decision-makers, allowing them to identify specific areas where students need support. The reports include individual student performance summaries and school-level analyses, which will help educators tailor interventions to improve student outcomes.
Overall, while the recovery in ELA proficiency is encouraging, the significant decline in math performance underscores the need for continued focus and resources to support students in this critical subject area. The Board's commitment to enhancing reporting and intervention strategies aims to address these challenges as Maryland schools move forward.
During the session, officials reported that ELA proficiency among students has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with 44% of students in grades 3 through 8 and 53% in grade 10 achieving proficiency. Notably, all student groups showed improvement, with Black and Hispanic students demonstrating significant gains compared to pre-pandemic figures. For instance, Black students improved from 28% proficiency before the pandemic to 31% in 2022.
In contrast, the math results painted a less optimistic picture. The data indicated that students have not yet returned to pre-pandemic performance levels, with only 7% of all test-takers in Algebra 1 meeting proficiency standards. The report revealed that all student groups experienced learning loss during the pandemic, with Black students' proficiency dropping from 11% in 2019 to just 5% in the 2021-2022 school year.
The Board also introduced new targeted reporting tools aimed at addressing learning loss. These reports will provide detailed insights for families, educators, and decision-makers, allowing them to identify specific areas where students need support. The reports include individual student performance summaries and school-level analyses, which will help educators tailor interventions to improve student outcomes.
Overall, while the recovery in ELA proficiency is encouraging, the significant decline in math performance underscores the need for continued focus and resources to support students in this critical subject area. The Board's commitment to enhancing reporting and intervention strategies aims to address these challenges as Maryland schools move forward.
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