Notes on reducing k-12 rigor
Here’s a topic that doesn’t get enough attention: a number of states are handling pandemic-era student achievement declines by lowering the bar for academic success.
Most notably, some states have adjusted their ‘cut scores’ for determining proficiency on state tests. It’s a sleight of hand: the share of students considered “proficient” increases, even as student performance doesn’t improve. This makes schools look better, yet it’s controversial even among educators.
Wisconsin tried to lower state test benchmarks from “college-ready” to “grade level,” but ended up between, making them useless.
What sucks is teachers actually got close to NAEP: 61% P, 26% A versus 66% B, 31% P. Then, they got scared once they saw what their results would be.
