The scores reflect students’ performance on the Measures of Academic Progress assessment, a nationally recognized test administered by NWEA, an evaluation association. In reading, where both classes had scored in the lowest, or first, percentile, third graders moved to the ninth percentile, and fourth graders to the 16th. In math, third graders jumped from the lowest percentile to the 18th, while fourth graders moved from the second percentile to the 30th. To some extent, the excitement surrounding the students’ progress illustrates a somber reality in urban education, where big hopes hinge on small victories. “It’s encouraging to see growth, but by no means are we out of the woods,” said Keith Liechty, a coordinator in Akron public school system’s Office of School Improvement.

Source: New York Times April 12, 2019 09:00 UTC