FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Leah Barker, 755-7292
Incomplete Story of the Nations Report Card
Leaves parents in the dark about writing performance of Utah students
Salt Lake City, UT — April 7, 2008 — The Writing Report Card recently released by The Nations Report Card (www.nationsreportcard.gov/writing_2007) holds some alarming statistics about the writing abilities of Utah students. As a whole, Utah students scored just below the national average, but when broken down by race, gender, or economic status, Utah students scored significantly below their American counterparts in almost every category.
“If the goal is to improve Utah’s educational system, we must begin by understanding where our greatest challenges lie when compared to the rest of the nation. Otherwise we are trying to find solutions to problems we don’t fully understand,” said Robyn Bagley, co-chair of PCE’s board.
Closer examination of the Writing Report Card illustrates the following:
- Overall, Utah ranked 31st out of 45 states
- Only 31% of Utah students scored proficient or higher in writing
- Hispanic students in Utah scored worst among Hispanics in all states, and scored 23 points lower than White Utah students
- White students in Utah only outperformed White students in 9 other states
“Hispanic children are the fastest growing population in Utah and scored the worst among all states. This ought to be of grave concern to all Utah parents,” said Bagley.
For a cross-state comparison of test results broken down into several demographics, go to www.nationsreportcard.gov/writing_2007/w0005.asp.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2007 writing assessment presents a comprehensive view of what students in the United States know and can do in the area of writing. Results are reported at the national, state, and district level at grade 8 and at the national level only at grade 12. Forty five states participated in the writing assessment.
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Parents for Choice in Education is a grassroots organization that advocates quality education for every child. As the leading voice for education innovation in Utah, we promote proven market solutions both within and outside the public school system.
