The report issued by The National Assessment of Educational Progress assessed the skill levels of 4th and 8th graders in 11 urban school districts over a four to five year period.
In Cleveland, 8th grade math scores improved from 2005 to 2007, while 4th grade math scores declined over the same period.
In reading, 8th graders made significant strides during those two years, while 4th grade scores improved only slightly.
Charles Smith, executive director of NAEP's board, says those 8th grade figures demonstrate Cleveland middle school instructors have found a teaching method that works, but …
Charles Smith: It also shows on the other hand that the 4th grade there are issues that obviously have to be dealt with. And, in discussions with the new superintendent, he has picked up on that very quickly.
Smith says he recently visited with CEO Eugene Sanders, who he says, plans to make adjustments in the district's fourth grade curriculum.
Of the 11 districts measured, Cleveland and Los Angeles ranked among the bottom four in 4th and 8th grade reading and math. Austin and Charlotte were the top two in all four categories.
Tasha Flournoy, 90.3.