Amid national ‘reading recession,’ some California districts’ reading and math scores are on the rise

California Districts Defy National Reading Slump: How Two Districts Are Charting a Path to Improvement

In an educational landscape grappling with widespread declines in student achievement, a surprising trend is emerging from California. While national data paints a concerning picture of a "reading recession," several school districts across the Golden State are demonstrating remarkable resilience, with some even showing significant gains in both reading and math scores. This unexpected success offers a beacon of hope and valuable lessons for educators nationwide.

Spotlight on Success: Districts Bucking the Trend

A comprehensive analysis of student performance data has identified a select group of school districts where reading and math scores are not only holding steady but are actively on the rise. These districts stand in stark contrast to the national narrative, which has seen a steady erosion of academic progress, particularly in literacy, exacerbated by recent global disruptions.

Researchers have pinpointed specific districts that are outperforming their demographically similar peers, showcasing innovative approaches and sustained commitment to academic excellence. Among these bright spots are Modesto City Schools and Compton Unified School District, both located in California.

The data, compiled by researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth universities, utilizes a national database to compare student test scores across thousands of school districts. The aim is to illuminate local recovery efforts, highlighting both successes and challenges faced by districts in their pursuit of student academic growth.

The "Reading Recession" and Its Reach

The term "reading recession" has become a stark descriptor for the widespread decline in reading proficiency observed across the nation. This trend, which researchers suggest began around 2013, has been further intensified by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting countless students and school systems.

The Education Scorecard, a newly released database, provides an in-depth look at this phenomenon. It compares reading and math test scores from over 5,000 school districts in 38 states, offering a granular view of academic performance at the local level. The data reveals that a significant portion of students in California attend districts where math scores have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, a positive indicator amidst broader concerns.

Furthermore, the proportion of students in districts achieving pre-pandemic reading levels has also seen an encouraging uptick. This suggests that while the challenges are substantial, pockets of significant progress are indeed occurring.

Modesto City Schools: A Blueprint for Sustained Growth

Modesto City Schools has emerged as a model for academic improvement, demonstrating a consistent upward trajectory in student scores. District leaders and researchers attribute this success to years of dedicated academic reforms and the implementation of robust, data-driven intervention systems.

A key factor in Modesto City's success has been the establishment of a dedicated professional development department. This initiative, spearheaded by former superintendent Sara Noguchi, has fostered a culture of continuous learning and collaboration among educators.

Data-Driven Collaboration Fuels Progress

Principals, assistant principals, and intervention specialists from every elementary school in Modesto City now convene quarterly. These meetings are dedicated to a deep dive into student performance data, allowing for the identification of trends and the development of targeted strategies.

Schools facing similar challenges, such as high rates of chronic absenteeism or increased needs for special education services, are strategically paired. This pairing facilitates the sharing of best practices and innovative solutions, fostering a collective approach to problem-solving.

During these "Graduation Rate Intervention Team" (GRIT) meetings, school teams develop concrete action steps. These steps are then revisited and refined at subsequent quarterly check-ins, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.

Empowering Teachers Through Professional Development

The GRIT meetings also serve as a platform for discussing classroom observations and identifying specific professional development needs for teachers. This feedback loop ensures that educators receive the targeted support necessary to enhance their instructional practices.

Weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) provide another crucial avenue for collaboration. Within these PLCs, teachers work together to identify students requiring additional support and co-create effective intervention strategies. This collaborative approach ensures that no student falls through the cracks.

The district has also invested heavily in revamping reading instruction, particularly during the pandemic, and implemented significant changes to math instruction a few years prior. A new department was created to support English language learners, and teacher training was significantly enhanced.

Modesto City Schools notably incentivized teachers to participate in an extensive "science of reading" program, LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), offering a substantial stipend for completion. This investment in teacher expertise is a cornerstone of their literacy gains.

For math, teachers have the option to engage with math coaches for personalized feedback or to observe experienced colleagues in their classrooms. This flexible approach caters to diverse professional development needs.

Former superintendent Noguchi emphasizes the importance of creating the right conditions for teacher success. "It's really about building a relationship with that third grade teacher, fifth grade teacher, what have you, because everyone has different needs," she stated.

Securing district-wide buy-in was paramount during the implementation of these new systems. By actively engaging and listening to the concerns of all leaders, including those initially hesitant to embrace change, Modesto City achieved complete consensus and support for its initiatives.

The latest data from the Education Scorecard indicates that Modesto's academic growth represents an additional 18 weeks of learning in math and 13 weeks in reading. While these gains are substantial, the district acknowledges that there is still progress to be made to reach grade-level proficiency for all students.

Compton Unified: Building Stronger Systems for Student Success

Compton Unified School District is another California district that has defied the national trend, showcasing consistent improvement in both reading and math scores. Their approach centers on a philosophy of continuous strengthening and building more resilient academic systems, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Superintendent Darin Brawley, who has led the district for 13 years, views the pandemic not as a period of recovery, but as an opportunity to fortify instructional practices and accountability measures, ultimately leading to better outcomes for their students.

A Culture of Early Identification and Intervention

Compton Unified has been identified as one of the few districts nationwide demonstrating faster improvement in both reading and math compared to demographically similar districts. This success is rooted in a strategic focus on early identification and rapid intervention for struggling students.

The district implements data meetings every four to six weeks, where groups of principals meticulously review student performance data. These meetings are critical for discussing effective interventions and ensuring that students receive timely support.

A core belief within Compton Unified is that the sooner learning gaps are identified, the more effectively they can be addressed. This principle drives their proactive approach to academic support.

Targeted Interventions Drive Measurable Gains

Compton Unified employs a multi-faceted strategy to identify and address academic disparities. This includes:

• Weekly quizzes in English language arts and math, each containing seven targeted questions.
• In-class, small-group tutoring for students who do not meet the district's internal assessment threshold of 71% or higher.
• A district-wide emphasis on the standards and vocabulary students are likely to encounter on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), the state's annual assessment.
• Regular walkthroughs of school sites by district leadership teams, including the superintendent, directors, and principals, to observe instruction and student engagement.

Superintendent Brawley stresses the importance of students being able to articulate their thinking and engage in analytical discourse. He notes that a lack of necessary academic language can create significant barriers to comprehension and achievement.

While some educators have expressed concerns about the district's structured assessment calendar potentially leading to an overemphasis on test preparation, Brawley maintains that assessment is an integral part of the instructional cycle, not merely an isolated event.

Lessons from the Front Lines

The successes of Modesto City Schools and Compton Unified School District offer invaluable insights into how educational institutions can navigate and overcome academic challenges. Their strategies underscore the critical role of:

• Sustained Focus: Committing to reforms over the long term, even through periods of disruption.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing student data to inform instructional practices and interventions.
• Collaborative Professional Development: Fostering environments where educators can learn from and support one another.
• Targeted Interventions: Implementing specific support systems for students who need them most.
• Strong Leadership: Visionary leadership that champions academic excellence and builds consensus.

As the national conversation continues to grapple with the "reading recession" and its impact on student achievement, these California districts provide a compelling testament to the power of strategic planning, dedicated implementation, and a relentless focus on student success. Their journeys offer a roadmap for other districts striving to not only recover but to thrive in the evolving educational landscape.