State assessment results provide insight into pandemic impact on student learning

Laureen Ricks / July 29, 2021 / District

July 29, 2021 – New state assessment results released this morning by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is giving the school district a better understanding of both how the pandemic impacted student learning and the bold steps needed to continue to maximize student achievement.

While several schools such as Rutledge Pearson Elementary, Westview K-8, and Wolfson High School showed significant gains in testing areas, there were overall declines in all areas that align with state performance with large drops seen in geometry, algebra, and sixth-grade math.

These results are disappointing, said Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene, but they are also instructive, providing educators a guiding light on how to recapture gains lost during the pandemic era.

“We’ve anticipated these results knowing that the past school year was the most challenging ever faced by the school district,” said Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene. “We know this is not fully reflective of the incredible efforts of our educators and students, but rather a year filled with obstacles to student learning. However, the results of the testing are still an incredible tool that will allow us to carve out a greater learning pathway for our students.”

Dr. Greene said the great insight that comes from the testing results is why the district worked hard to ensure students could be tested. The district estimates that it tested 95% of its students, which allows for an accurate understanding of district performance.

“Having the ability to accurately identify where the gaps are is critical in addressing the gaps, and addressing the gaps is something we have been doing with increasing vigor,” said Dr. Greene. “We are in the process of adding more personnel at every school to strengthen learning for students whose progress may have been impacted due to the pandemic. We have increased access to quality, hands-on learning material to provide additional inquiry-based learning opportunities. Additionally, district specialists are working with schools to analyze our math performance data to problem-solve around the drops and determine next steps.”

Below are a few data highlights. More information will be available on the Florida Department of Education’s website.

Highlights

Elementary Schools

District outpaced or matched the state rate of growth in 5/7 categories.
District improved or maintained ranking among the Big 7 in 7/7 categories.

Middle Schools

District outpaced or matched the state rate of growth in 4/7 categories.
District improved or maintained ranking among the Big 7 in 6/7 categories.

High School Reading

District outpaced or matched the state rate of growth in 1/2 grade levels.
District improved or maintained ranking among the Big 7 in 2/2 grade levels.

EOCs

District outpaced or matched the state rate of growth in 1/5 categories.
District improved or maintained ranking among the Big 7 in 3/5 categories.

Overall

District outpaced or matched the state rate of growth in 11/21 categories.
District improved or maintained ranking among the Big 7 in 18/21 categories.

ELA

Grade 4

Rutledge H. Pearson had the largest gain, improving their score by 21 points.
Out of 118 schools, 26 (22%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Grade 5

Ruth N. Upson had the largest gain, improving their score by 28 points.
Out of 117 schools, 47 (40%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.
In addition, Stonewall Jackson made gains of 20 points or more!

Grade 6

Julia Landon had the largest gain, improving their score by 5 points.
Out of 50 schools, 16 (32%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Grade 7

GRASP Academy had the largest gain, improving their score by 4 points.
Out of 50 schools, 9 (18%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Grade 8

Baldwin Middle-Senior had the largest gain, improving their score by 10 points.
Out of 47 schools, 16 (34%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Grade 9

Baldwin Middle-Senior had the largest gain, improving their score by 4 points.
Out of 29 schools, 4 (14%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Grade 10

Samuel W. Wolfson had the largest gain, improving their score by 18 points.
Out of 28 schools, 9 (32%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Math

Grade 3

Ortega had the largest gain, improving their score by 15 points.
Out of 117 schools, 24 (21%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Grade 4

Rutledge H. Pearson and San Mateo had the largest gains, improving their scores by 13 points.
Out of 118 schools, 30 (25%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Grade 5

Rutledge H. Pearson had the largest gain, improving their score by 55 points.
Out of 117 schools, 42 (36%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.
In addition, Arlington, Woodland Acres, Sallye B. Mathis and George Washington Carver made gains of 20 points or more.

Grade 6

The Bridge to Success and Fort Caroline had the largest gains, improving their scores by 2 points.
Out of 49 schools, 9 (18%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Grade 7

Mayport had the largest gain, improving their score by 22 points.
Out of 47 schools, 11 (23%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Grade 8

Westview K-8 had the largest gain, improving their score by 49 points.
Out of 42 schools, 14 (33%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Science

Grade 5

Rutledge H. Pearson had the largest gain, improving their score by 53 points.
Out of 118 schools, 36 (31%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.
In addition, Ruth N. Upson and Arlington made gains of 20 points or more.

Grade 8

Southside had the largest gain, improving their score by 15 points.
Out of 46 schools, 18 (39%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

EOC

Algebra 1

Westview K-8 had the largest gain, improving their score by 40 points.
Out of 64 schools, 13 (20%) remained the same or saw an increase in proficiency.

Biology