Positive Indicators for Academic Recovery in DC
UPDATED AUGUST 2022
DC showed its first signs of academic recovery in the spring 2022 semester, according to local assessment results of nearly 45,000 students in DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools that EmpowerK12 analyzed for our latest Unfinished Learning brief. For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, student growth rates in grades 3-8 math and reading rebounded to typical pre-pandemic growth rates during the spring semester and academic achievement improved.
Gap Between DC Sample & National Pre-pandemic Average Score in Instructional Months
However, this “rebound” was not experienced equitably across all student groups. Second semester growth rates were slower for students designated as at-risk, students with disabilities, and English language learners than their peers. Students designated as at-risk are an average of 15-18 instructional months behind, while students who are not at-risk are about 4-5 months behind pre-pandemic national averages.
Spring Semester 2022: Math and Reading Growth in Instructional Months
Expected growth from winter-to-spring is 5 instructional months
Importantly, student wellbeing index scores also significantly improved in 2021-22. The Student Wellbeing survey covers key physical, social, emotional, and academic indicators linked to better conditions for academic growth.
Student Wellbeing Index Scores by Season
Most Vulnerable Students = students who report experiencing food insecurity, neighborhood safety issues, or housing instability
Even with these early signs of recovery, at the current pace it will take DC 5 years for achievement to return to pre-pandemic levels. Promising practices and strategies used at schools identified in our analysis as “bright spots” can help better support all students and accelerate learning.
We thank the bright spot school leaders from Center City Congress Heights, Friendship Blow-Pierce, Friendship Southeast, Moten ES, Patterson ES, Savoy ES, and Walker-Jones EC for their time sharing with us!
Download the full brief for more information and review our previous reports from March 2022, November 2021, and December 2020.
Fall 2021 Unfinished Learning Panel Event
Deputy Mayor for Education, Paul Kihn; Interim State Superintendent for Education, Dr. Christina Grant; and Friendship PCS CEO, Patricia Brantley joined us for a panel on addressing unfinished student learning, hosted by Education Forward Managing Partner, Bisi Oyedele.