As states continue to receive their report card grades, and test scores from the 15-16 school year, a recurring area of concerns can be seen time and time again. The age old problem of poverty rates is again affecting state testing results around the country. Poverty impacting education is not a new problem at all! States and school districts have struggled with this for years regardless of the assessments that have been given to the students.
If we use Ohio as an example, they rank 18th worst in the nation for poverty rates. This means that 1 out of 5 students lives in poverty. Their test scores speak volumes to substantiate the issue.
Howard Fleeter, an analyst at Ohio Education Policy Institute who reviews the Ohio Report cards said “Districts face a greater challenge when you have a preponderance of your kids who are economically disadvantaged,” When looking at the numbers it is clear that this is one of the greatest issues facing states with high poverty levels.
The problem isn’t that the students can’t learn, it is the environmental surroundings. Issues relating to low-socioeconomic students failing include funding questions in regards to universal pre-K, additional support inside schools, and lack of summer learning. The difference in report card scores of high poverty districts and low poverty districts is massive. The distinction is clear! Governors and legislators need to take this into consideration when developing their education budgets each year. The problem is real and needs to be addressed properly.
As districts look to improve assessment scores and ways to close the gap on achievement, they need to find resources to resolve the problem. Quite often, schools use intense review, tutorials within the school day or afterschool, and summer programs to extend additional learning time. These strategies do afford opportunities for students to grasp the concepts needed to be College and Career ready in this new age of required testing.
When considering supplemental materials for student success, we have the answers. Lumos Learning offers a free teacher account with access to one grade level and one subject for 30 students absolutely free! When the teacher signs up, they will get a username and login. They can use a sample program for the one grade level and subject all year long. They will get detailed feedback as the students complete the online workbooks. They can then use the feedback to see what additional needs each student has in particular areas in that subject! To learn more about the Step Basic Free Teacher account, please visit PARCC Free teacher Account or SBAC Free Teacher Account. Once teachers utilize the free account, they will be ready to purchase the fully online program that includes multiple assessment platforms, complete standard based lessons, and a teacher portal.
Story referenced: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/10/09/education-poverty-remains-constant-in-poor-test-scores.html
