Lancaster County students’ performance on the Keystone exams shows a decline in proficiency levels in Algebra 1 and literature compared to the previous year.
In 2023, more students in Lancaster County took the Keystone exams, a series of end-of-course standardized tests designed to assess proficiency in Algebra 1, literature, and biology. However, the results reveal a concerning trend, with fewer students scoring advanced or proficient in Algebra 1 and literature compared to the previous year. While statewide scores improved slightly in biology and literature, the decline in Lancaster County raises questions about the factors contributing to this decline. This article will explore the reasons behind the drop in scores and highlight the efforts of districts that have successfully maintained or improved student achievement on the Keystone exams.
Decline in Algebra 1 Scores
The most significant decline in scores was observed in Algebra 1, where only 34.2% of the 84,339 students who took the exam scored advanced or proficient in 2023. This is a sharp decline from the 63.9% of students who achieved advanced or proficient scores in 2022. The drop in performance raises concerns about the effectiveness of the curriculum and teaching methods in preparing students for this critical subject.
Literature Scores Also Decline
The decline in proficiency levels was not limited to Algebra 1. In literature, only 50.7% of students scored advanced or proficient in 2023, a slight improvement from the 41.9% in the previous year. This indicates that there is still room for improvement in fostering strong reading and comprehension skills among students in Lancaster County.
Positive Outliers: Pequea Valley School District
While many districts in Lancaster County experienced a decline in scores, some districts managed to maintain or improve student achievement. Pequea Valley School District stands out as one of the districts with higher percentages of students scoring advanced or proficient in all three subjects compared to the statewide averages. The district attributes its success to a curriculum that aligns well with the tested subjects and hands-on learning experiences. For example, Pequea Valley students take agricultural biology and biology in 10th grade, leveraging the district’s award-winning agricultural program. The district also pairs its ninth-grade Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) course with its Algebra 1 course, providing tangible, hands-on learning opportunities.
Challenges in Literature Achievement
Literature poses a unique challenge for students, as strong reading skills are crucial for success. Pequea Valley Assistant Superintendent Rich Eby acknowledges that if a child doesn’t develop proficient reading skills by fourth grade, it becomes challenging to bridge the gap in preparation for the literature exam. This highlights the importance of early intervention and targeted support to ensure students are equipped with the necessary reading skills.
Struggles with Support and Hiring
Despite the efforts of districts like Pequea Valley, challenges persist in providing adequate support to students. The district faces difficulties in hiring enough paraprofessionals to fully support students. The shortage of staff impacts the district’s multi-tiered systems of support, where students with deficiencies in the tested courses require one-on-one or small group sessions with interventionists. Insufficient staffing makes it challenging to meet the needs of all grade levels and provide comprehensive support to students.
Teaching to the Test or Preparing for Success?
To address deficiencies in student learning, Pequea Valley familiarizes students with the framing and formatting of commonly asked Keystone questions. While some may argue that this approach is “teaching to the test,” Eby sees it as an opportunity to provide students with clear expectations and exemplars to guide their learning. The district aims to align education with each student’s post-secondary goals, ensuring they are prepared for their chosen paths beyond high school.
Conclusion:
The decline in Keystone exam scores in Algebra 1 and literature among Lancaster County students raises concerns about the effectiveness of current teaching methods and curriculum. While some districts have managed to maintain or improve student achievement, challenges persist in providing adequate support and resources to students. Early intervention and targeted support are crucial in addressing deficiencies and ensuring students develop strong foundational skills. By aligning education with students’ post-secondary goals and providing tangible, hands-on learning experiences, districts like Pequea Valley are making strides in improving student achievement. It is essential for all districts to learn from these successes and implement strategies that will empower students to excel on the Keystone exams and beyond.
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