The Disconnect between Grades & Test Scores, Kids’ & Parents’ Schooling Views

1. According to a recent, nationwide Gallup poll of 1,005 adults, 18 and older:
   ** Between 2019 and 2025, those reporting dissatisfaction with our K-12 public schools rose from 61% to 7
        **  Those saying they’re satisfied with our schools is at its lowest since 2001.
2. More than 10 years ago, a federal program was put in place to train and help students with disabilities to get jobs after high school, but that’s news to many parents and school officials.
   **  In 2023, only 295,000 out of 3.1 million eligible children received some form of those assistance services.
   **  In New Jersey, just 2% of eligible students did, and in New York just 5%.

2. According to the Pew Research Center, “U.S. students ranked 28^th out of the 37 OECD member countries in math and 12^th in science. Moreover, says columnist Cal Thomas, it had nothing to do with dollars spent. For instance, New Jersey spends $25,099 per student!
3. First appearing in the 1970s, Exit Exams were designed to show that high school seniors had mastered 8^th grade level skills. Their use grew, but many educators opposed them. The reason: kids had passing grades but, failing to make the cut on the exams, could not graduate.
4. According to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), in math our 4^th graders dropped 18 points since the 2019 test; 8^th graders’ score fell 27 points.
5. In a ksat.com article, Patty Santos & Santiago Esparza write that changes in how student coursework is graded can mislead parents into thinking their kids are faring well academically but then see poor standardized test scores, such as those on the TIMSS.
6. According to a recent Brookings Institute survey of 3^rd through 12^th grade students and their parents found that the parents think their kids are engaged and enjoy schooltime more than they actually do:
   ** Overall, 60% of students say they learn a lot in school; 78% of parents agreed.
   **  41% of students said they love school; 71% of the parents think they do.
   **  Just 29% of the 12^th graders reported mostly loving school, but 61% of parents think they do.
   **  86% of 3^rd graders said they learn a lot in school, but 84% of parents think they do.
   **  67% of 6^th graders report learning a lot in school, but 86% of parents who think they do.
   **  44% of 12^th graders report learning a lot in school, but 75% of their parents who think they do.

A disconnect, indeed.

~ With thanks and happy Valentine wishes, Carol