I am Charlotte Silva
Speaking on Academic Concerns
Minnesota’s national education ranking went down to #19, according to the Casey Foundation. Declines in reading and math are part of that. (for reference MN was ranked #7 in 2021, #9 in 2022, and #18 in 2023.)
In 2022 “Kids Count Data Book,” compared NAEP - the Nation’s Report Card scores for fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math results on national tests. They were the lowest in 30 years.)
It is concerning that on the Minnesota State Comprehensive Assessments fewer than half of students statewide meet grade-level math and reading standards. Over 64 percent of the graduating class of 2024 DID NOT demonstrate proficiency as11th graders.
From the MN Department of ED, on the Bloomington Report Card from 2021 – 2024 only 40% of all students in all grades fully met the achievement level. We need improvement because poor academic achievement translates to lifetime economic losses.
During the 2023 MN legislature session, the legislature’s READ Act made evidence-based reading instruction a requirement for school districts, teachers, and the teacher preparation programs.
My questions:
1) How quickly will teachers be trained on READ Act?
2) Is curriculum being overhauled to align with the READ Act?
3) What other interventions are planned to improve literacy, since the READ Act will take several years to fully implement?
