A Pennsylvania school district achieved a significant increase in math proficiency, rising from about 70% to over 85%, without altering its curriculum. The improvement stemmed from identifying and addressing a key missing element, despite having dedicated teachers and sufficient effort. The article emphasizes that such gains were possible earlier with the right focus.
Key Points
- Math proficiency improved from 70% to over 85% in recent years.
- No changes were made to the existing curriculum.
- District had committed teachers and effort but lacked a crucial unidentified factor.
Implications for Educational Freedom
This example demonstrates how public school districts can innovate internally to boost student outcomes, potentially empowering parents to advocate for similar reforms without needing school choice options. It underscores the value of educational freedom by showing that targeted improvements can reduce government overreach in curriculum mandates.
Source: Opinion: How a Pennsylvania District Improved Math Proficiency Without Changing Curriculum
