HARRISBURG, November 15, 2011 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa was joined by former Gov. Ed Rendell at a capitol news conference to draw attention to a recent report that shows Pennsylvania is one of just a few states that made significant progress from 2003 to 2011 in all grades and subjects. [audio:https://senatorcosta.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pa-school-achievement-costa-wrap.mp3|titles=pa-school-achievement-costa-wrap]
The National Assessment of Educational Progress – commonly known as “the nation’s report card” – also shows score gaps between higher- and lower-income students also narrowed from 2003 to 2011 in only four states. Pennsylvania was one of them.
Additionally, more Pittsburgh students scored in the proficient and advanced ranges for reading and math compared to four years ago — until they reached high school, where 11th-grade math scores declined for the second consecutive year. Pittsburgh students also made greater gains than students across Pennsylvania in all grades, except for 11th-grade math.
Costa said the test scores are proof that the targeted investment made by the legislature over the past eight years improved student performance in Pennsylvania and improved public schools.
Costa also expressed concerns that last year’s Republican budget that cut education by nearly $1 billion statewide will reverse these patterns of success and the positive momentum shown in public schools.