What is the true state of New York’s public-school system?
SAT scores released this week raise a possible warning sign that all might not be what it seems: Compared with 2007, city students’ average scores fell by 3 points in reading and 2 points in math, while writing scores stayed flat.
The decline was similar statewide.
This information – reflecting an ongoing decline in both math and reading since 2003 – contrasts with what New Yorkers have heard in recent months.
It’s been all good news coming from Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein:
* Earlier this month, both men cheered the increase in the city graduation rate.
* In June, the administration exulted that math and reading scores in state-administered tests soared – and that city schools surpassed scores statewide.
But now – in the exam that serves as the standard in assessing students’ readiness for college – city students aren’t just falling behind, they are posting some of the worst scores in the nation.
City averages were 55 points to 64 points behind the national average in the three standardized exams.
The Department of Education points to the increased number of students taking the test as a reason for the decline. Maybe so – but there were increases in test-takers nationwide, too.
What is known, though, is that the level of difficulty of the SAT hasn’t changed much over the last several years.
On the other hand, no one knows for sure about the state tests.
So, until New York’s SAT scores start turning around, official pronouncements from the city and state education officials need to be viewed with suspicion.
Maybe it’s time to take a long, hard look at whether graduation gains are as much a function of dumbed-down state tests as progress in the schools.