EDUCATION

Math and reading scores among 4th and 8th grade students across the U.S. have increased, according to a report released today by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Although most gains were small, the National Assessment of Educational Progress report confirmed that the additional directives aimed at schools via No Child Left Behind are producing positive results. The largest gains among test scores appear to be among the lower-performing students.

Still, controversy has already begun to surround the discussion of the NCES results, which were released to the public today. Some feel that the gains were too small to justify the huge federal expenditures that have been earmarked to improve the test scores of America’s students. Others are concerned that a significant number of teachers in the classroom focus only material that may matter on the tests. And still others ruminate on the cheating that has taken place by an increasing number of schools and teachers who are motivated by either incentives offered or by the consequences of not meeting the standards and test scores that are required according to No Child Left Behind.

Of course, there is still a long way to go; and a great divide continues to exist between schools in non-Asian minority and economically disadvantaged communities as compared to the abundance of resources and funding that exists in wealthier neighborhood schools. Schools that are predominantly non-Asian minority are more likely to receive less qualified teachers and fewer educational resources, according to the National Commission on Teaching and Americas Future. Until all of the issues surrounding these and other inequities are addressed, there is little hope that every young student in America will receive a quality education.

Homeschooling and online schools have improved education choices for some parents and students; but others are unable or unwilling to travel this educational route. They are dependent upon the education system to make things right.

Remember, the issue of education affects all communities. Those who are uneducated or poorly educated are more likely to require public assistance, commit crimes and abuse drugs. Families and children who are affected by any of these situations continue to perpetuate similar behavior and are less likely to attend college.

It is great that test scores have improved; but let’s not rest on our laurels. Legislators need to dig deeper and work toward equality in education for all students.

online schools, education, students, math and reading, test scores, schools, No Child Left Behind, college

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