National Assessment of Educational Progress

New York officials propose mandatory updates to teacher preparation programs to align with the science of reading, emphasizing evidence-based methods like phonics and phonological awareness. The regulations aim to address concerns that many programs fail to properly train educators in reading instruction, requiring compliance by 2028.

California's reading scores have improved since the state invested $500 million in literacy coaches and reforms, though a shortage of coaches may limit further progress. The state's 2013 fourth-grade reading proficiency rate was 27%, but it rose to 46% by 2024, with Mississippi's success in literacy also attributed to similar strategies.

Mississippi is investing $9 million in the Adolescent Literacy Initiative to improve middle school reading scores, following stagnant progress in eighth grade reading. The initiative expands the 2013 Literacy-Based Promotion Act into higher grades, introducing assessments and high-quality curriculum for students in grades four through eight.

Education is a critical issue in Michigan's gubernatorial race, with the winner set to shape policies affecting 1.3 million public school students. Chalkbeat Detroit and the Detroit Free Press are collaborating to cover education issues and seeking resident input through a survey. Low proficiency rates in reading and math, compared to national averages, highlight challenges in Michigan's schools.

The latest NAEP results show gains in reading and math for 9-year-olds, particularly among the lowest-performing students, with math scores for the 10th percentile rising 7.5 points and reading scores increasing 9.3 points. These improvements contrast with continued declines for 13-year-olds and may reflect a rebound from pandemic-related disruptions and federal funding.

The article argues that reinstating end-of-course testing for graduation in Massachusetts is unlikely to improve student outcomes, citing data showing declining test scores despite past penalties. It notes that scores began slipping a decade ago under high-pressure systems like No Child Left Behind and the Massachusetts MCAS program, with similar declines observed globally.

Michigan House committee approved three bills to improve student literacy through teacher training in reading methods, including requirements for K-5 teachers and support for students with dyslexia. The legislation will now move to the full House for consideration.

New NAEP data show 9-year-olds improved in math and reading since 2022, driven by struggling students, while 13-year-olds showed no progress, with scores stagnating or declining. The pandemic's impact on middle schoolers is linked to prolonged educational disruptions, compounding existing challenges in adolescent learning.

New NAEP scores show 9-year-olds performing nearly as well in reading and math as before the pandemic, while 13-year-olds continue to struggle, with reading scores comparable to those from 50 years ago. The findings highlight divergent outcomes for younger and older students impacted by pandemic disruptions.

Half of New York's teacher preparation programs failed to teach scientifically-based reading instruction, according to a National Council on Teacher Quality report. Six programs received top grades, while 19, including those from CUNY and SUNY, received failing marks. New York's refusal rate for program materials was among the highest nationally.

Oklahoma now ranks 48th in combined fourth and eighth grade math and reading scores, experiencing a generational decline since the 2010s. Mississippi has outperformed Oklahoma in educational gains, particularly in early-grade learning, while Oklahoma's scores have dropped sharply, especially after 2015 and during the COVID-19 era.

Tennessee students have nearly returned to pre-pandemic math achievement levels and improved in reading, driven by state initiatives like the Tennessee Literacy Success Act and new math curricula. The state invested over $130 million in reforms, including tutoring and professional development, though disparities persist for historically underserved student groups.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed bipartisan education legislation, emphasizing the value of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for tracking student progress. The NAEP will expand in 2028, allowing states to assess additional subjects and grades, with Spanberger pledging to evaluate its utility before adoption.

The National Assessment Governing Board approved an expanded testing schedule for the Nation’s Report Card, adding state-level results in subjects like math, reading, civics, and science. The expansion aims to provide more detailed data for policymakers, with implementation starting in 2028, though participation remains optional and budget concerns persist.