Delusion Reigns as Teachers Remain Optimistic Despite Worsening Test Scores

Delusion Reigns as Teachers Remain Optimistic Despite Worsening Test Scores

Metro Nashville Public Schools fell behind on every tested ACT measure and showed a marked drop in every category over last year’s results, according to 2016 ACT score results released to districts on Tuesday.

With Metro Schools regressing slightly in the ACT test that is used as a college readiness measure in English, reading, science and math, Nashville schools’ new administration under Director of Schools Shawn Joseph sees an opportunity to dissect those results and improve in future years.

And there’s an optimism from the community that Joseph and his team can bring about the change needed to improve student outcomes. Joseph was hired on July 1.

“It is concerning and it is disappointing,” said Anna Shepherd, Metro Schools board vice chair. “The bottom line is we are doing them a disservice if they’re not prepared for college. But with who we brought to table in Joseph … I think it will turn around.”

Newly appointed Metro Schools Chief Academic Officer Monique Felder said although she hasn’t seen the results, the scores will be used to help put together a long-term strategic plan to improve district outcomes. The district ACT average was an 18.4 in 2016 versus an 18.7 last year.

“We need to pull apart those results and analyze them deeply,” Felder said. “Are there particular areas where students are struggling?”

The scores show only 11 percent of students are college ready and student scores in each subject fell well below what is considered college ready. The “college ready” benchmark scores in each subject are: 18 for English; 22 for math; 22 for reading; and 23 for science. (continue reading at Tennessean)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *