(Washington, DC) - Members of the State Board of Education joined Mayor Muriel Bowser this morning for the release of results from the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exams at Benjamin Banneker High School. While these results are encouraging, the DC State Board of Education believes these results show that substantial work remains to be done.
“While the State Board is pleased to see another year of growth for District students, we recognize that the achievement gap persists for District students,” said Jack Jacobson, SBOE President and Ward 2 Representative. “The rigorous education standards adopted by the State Board are a solid foundation for our schools; we are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity for success.”
The scores indicate modest growth in almost every grade level, ward, and student category, but they also show a more complicated picture of success. For instance, eighth graders from across DCPS and the charter sector did not perform as well on the math exam as students in 2015. Similarly, students taking the high school English exam also saw declines. Between two and three percent more Black and Hispanic students scored at level four or five. Students in special education, English language learners, economically disadvantaged and at-risk students also saw gains across the District. A score of four or five means a student is on track to graduate college-and-career ready.
“Our students and teachers are working hard every day to learn and grow. The State Board stands strongly with them,” said Karen Williams, SBOE Vice President, Ward 7 Representative and member of the Deputy Mayor of Education’s Cross Sector Task Force. “It is vital that the Mayor keep these results in mind as she and her DCPS Rising Leadership Committee continue the search for our next DCPS Chancellor.”
The State Board of Education provides policy leadership, support, advocacy, and oversight of public education to ensure that every student is valued and learns the skills and knowledge necessary to become informed, competent, and contributing global citizens. More information about the SBOE can be found at sboe.dc.gov.