Tests reveal pandemic hindered student learning

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State test results from the spring paint the first picture of how the pandemic has affected Mississippi students’ learning — and overall, it’s not good.

 

The results from the spring administration of state tests, or the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP), show the percentage of students who passed the tests dropped 9% in English and 14% in math statewide. These assessments measure student achievement in grades 3-8, and high schoolers also take an English II and Algebra I test.

 

These results, presented to the Mississippi State Board of Education in late September, offer a snapshot of the effect the pandemic has had on K-12 education in the state. State tests were not administered in 2020 because of the virus, which shut down schools in spring of that year.

 

This also marks the first time proficiency levels, or the percentage of students who scored at the two highest levels on the tests, dropped since the test was first administered in 2016.

 

This year, 34.9% of students were proficient in English and 35.1% were proficient in math. Proficiency refers to the percentage of students who scored at a level 4 or 5 (proficient or advanced) on a 1 through 5 scale. A level 1 indicates a score of “minimal,” 2 is “basic” and 3 is “passing.”

 

But Carey Wright, state superintendent of education, said she was “pleasantly surprised” the numbers did not decrease more than they did. She also praised schools for ensuring that around 96% of students came into buildings and participated in testing in the spring, even when some were learning entirely virtually.

 

“I need to be honest with you, I was pleasantly surprised that we did not drop more … This was a historical event in our nation when you think about what happened,” she said. “I think the districts pivoted and did the best they could.”

 

She said the nearly 7% drop in English proficiency is a testament to the work of the state’s teachers, and the more dramatic 12% drop in mathematics reflects national trends.

 

“I am proud of the way Mississippi students, families, teachers and school leaders persevered through the most challenging school year of their lives,” said Wright.

 

Wright also said it was important to note there were districts where student performance improved.

One of those was Ocean Springs School District, which improved its district-wide English Language Arts proficiency level compared to 2019. Bonita Coleman, the superintendent, thanked teachers “who helped ensure a worldwide pandemic did not stand in the way of our continued progress.”

 

But a statewide analysis of students who passed the tests show declines as a state and by grade level.






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