KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – There were some interesting findings in a new assessment of how Kalamazoo Public Schools students are doing halfway through the new school year.
The KPS Board of Education received the results of the state mandated assessment report Monday night. It showed achievement for elementary and middle since fall was at or above state averages for most grades.
Interim Superintendent Cindy Green says it also showed that very young students who were deprived of regular preschool because of the COVID-19 pandemic had a lot of catching up to do, saying four and five year olds don’t do well with remote learning.
A few grades moved at a slower pace and Director of Curriculum Matt Johnson says the data will help to address those shortcomings.
High school students are assessed by whether or not they are passing enough courses to graduate. The data also shows mixed results.
The standard set by the state is a D+ or better. School board President TiAnna Harrison says that’s too low and asked that future reports also include data on students getting a C or better.
Green agreed that more information and higher expectations are both good things, and says administrators and teachers will now use the data to make improvements at the district, school, classroom and student level.
Their next assessment report will come early this summer after the end of this school year.
reporting from John McNeill
