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Detroit Schools Show Promise in Test Scores, but Challenges Remain

Students at Detroit Public Schools actively participating in their learning.

News Summary

Recent findings highlight a mix of progress and persistent challenges in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). Test scores indicate an improvement in math, especially among fourth graders, yet reading scores have declined. Chronic absenteeism remains a significant concern, hindering overall educational advancements. DPSCD continues to implement initiatives aimed at improving attendance and educational outcomes, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment.

Detroit Schools Show Promise in Test Scores, but Challenges Remain

In the bustling city of Detroit, there’s a blend of hope and lingering challenges within the education system, particularly the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). Recent findings from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) — affectionately known as the “Nation’s Report Card” — show that DPSCD is making strides in some areas, all while grappling with a tough comparison to peer school districts across the nation.

Progress Amidst Challenges

First, let’s celebrate a bit of good news! DPSCD has been bouncing back from the learning losses brought on by the pandemic faster than many of its peers here in Michigan. It’s heartening to see that many students are beginning to close the gap that widened during those unprecedented times. For instance, fourth graders in the district have seen a significant uptick in their math scores, improving by 6 points from 2022 to 2024. That’s not just a small jump; it’s a step in the right direction!

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While math improvement is commendable, the same fourth graders faced a downturn in reading, slipping by 2 points. This mixed bag of results showcases the need for constant attention to both math and literacy skills. Of course, it doesn’t end there. Eighth graders reflected a similar story, showing some advancement with a 2.4-point boost in reading, but they also suffered a slight drop in math scores, falling by 1.1 points.

The Big Picture: Ranking Woes

What’s holding DPSCD back? One of the most persistent challenges is chronic absenteeism, which is a fancy way of saying that many students are missing too much school. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% of the school year or more, and it’s a significant roadblock that DPSCD is actively trying to tackle.

Steps Toward Improvement

In response to this issue, DPSCD rolled out an attendance action plan during the 2018-19 school year. The strategy aimed to increase student presence by adding attendance agents, decreasing suspensions, and offering additional support services for students in need. Initially, attendance rates saw some improvement after the plan’s launch. However, when the pandemic hit and schools were closed, these rates took another nosedive.

Fast forward to the present day, and the district has made noticeable progress. Chronic absenteeism rates have decreased from a staggering 76.7% in the 2020-21 school year to a more manageable 65.8% in the 2023-24 school year. While there’s still much work to do, this downward trend is certainly something to acknowledge and build upon.