1. By Kati Haycock of Education Watch A Panel Discussion

2. Summary of article This article discusses the results of different student groups (Latino, African American, poor) across the nation on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The differences of scores in these groups are then used to rank states on how they are performing. The causes of the performance gaps between groups is analyzed and solutions are suggested.

3. Quotes from the article… “ When the decade began, Americans were puzzling over a new idea in school reform: high, public standards intended for all students. The business community was first to latch on to this strategy as a means to raise the quality of the work force to the levels the new economy demanded.”

4. Quotes from the article… “If the nation’s Latino fourth graders had attained the same rate of improvement as those in Connecticut, the national reading gap between White and Latino fourth graders would have been sliced nearly in half. “

5. Quotes from the article… The myth says that student achievement has much more to do with a child’s background than with the quality of instruction he or she receives. It says that “disadvantaged” children might learn some basic skills, but that their home lives are just too deprived to allow them to attain the same levels of learning as their affluent suburban peers. The myth is powerful. It is pervasive. And it is wrong.

6. Quotes from the article… “Every state should follow the Texas lead and adopt accountability policies that separate out – and hold schools accountable for – the achievement scores of different groups of students, including White, African American, Latino, and poor.”

7. Quotes from the article… No matter how you define teacher qualifications…the pattern is exactly the same. …we take the kids who are most dependent upon their teachers for academic learning and systematically assign them teachers with the weakest academic base.

8. Quotes from the article… Now, most of remaining gaps are found when it comes time to apply basic skills... higher order abilities aren’t simply amenable to improvement through drill under the direction of paraprofessionals, especially so for the students who are struggling anyway.

9. “Six important lessons that should shape our work…” Establish standards. –When standard setting is done locally, the standards are not rigorous. –Clear and public standards will raise student achievement expectations.

10. “Six important lessons that should shape our work…”  Assessments and accountability systems must provide honest information and signal needed improvements.  NRT’s are often disconnected from what students needed to achieve to be successful in school.  NRT’s interpreted as “things were just fine” in schools  Match assessment methods to targets.

11. “Six important lessons that should shape our work…” All students must have curriculum aligned with standards. –Rigor of curriculum determines later academic success. –Texas is making college prep courses the “default” curriculum.

12. “Six important lessons that should shape our work…” Every child deserves good teaching. –Teacher is the single most important factor in student achievement. –The most poorly qualified teachers are found in the poorest schools. –Professional development and improved facilities can greatly affect student achievement.

13. “Six important lessons that should shape our work…” Provide extra time and instruction to those who need it. –All students achieve at high levels if taught at high levels. –Some students will require more time and help to meet the target.

14. “Six important lessons that should shape our work…” Money makes a difference. –Gaps still exist between poor and wealthy districts. –Differences in financial resources mean fewer opportunities for students.

15. Reactions Judging student achievement on one test. Does not consider how states fund education. Does not mention serious issues that students bring to school. How is are states to be held accountable? Article contains many political arguments and “loaded” language.

16. Reactions Many of the details on accountability left out. No mention of “teaching to the test”. How do test results of students on NAEP compare to results of other tests? We agree with many points overall, but the details are glossed over.