Why American Students Haven’t Gotten Better at Reading in 20 Years
Math scores have been flat since 2009 and reading scores since 1998, with just a third or so of students performing at a level the NAEP defines as “proficient.” Performance gaps between lower-income students and their more affluent peers, among other demographic discrepancies, have remained stubbornly wide.
Among the likely culprits for the stalled progress in math scores: a misalignment between what the NAEP tests and what state standards require teachers to cover at specific grade levels. But what’s the reason for the utter lack of progress in reading scores?
“Research shows that music and arts education enhances students’ overall academic performance and improves their attendance and engagement in school, building well-rounded students ready to compete in tomorrow’s workforce.”
Tennessee districts could get the chance for an infusion of money to support arts and music in their schools.
Tennessee Gov. Haslam and the Country Music Association Foundation announced Thursday the launch of a competitive, statewide grant that seeks to expand student access to music and arts.
The $1 million will fund, in its first year, eight grants. The State of the Arts program is expected to last three years and kickoff in the 2018-19 school year, according to a news release. [Read more at The Tennessean]
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