Understanding Student Well-being During COVID-19: State School Report Card Analysis
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the education system, a recent study conducted by the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) sheds light on the challenges faced by states in providing comprehensive data on student achievement and well-being. The study assessed state school report cards on their accessibility and usability in presenting information on student performance before and during the pandemic.
State Report Card Grades
The CRPE study found that most states received poor marks in making it easy for users to compare academic performance over time. Only seven states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, scored an A in this category, while 21 states received a D or an F. New York, New Jersey, and Colorado received a C grade, with New York ranking among the worst states for usability. Illinois and Indiana, on the other hand, were praised for their overall usability but were noted for making it challenging to track changes in student performance over time.
Impact of Inaccessible Data on Parental Perception
Despite concerning data indicating a decline in student achievement and chronic absenteeism, survey results suggest that parents are not overly worried about academic recovery. Morgan Polikoff, the lead author of the study and an education professor at the University of Southern California, emphasized the importance of providing parents with accurate information about their child’s academic progress and overall school performance. He highlighted the need for transparency in reporting student data to combat complacency among parents and stakeholders.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers analyzed state websites for information on student achievement in various subjects, student growth, chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, and English learner proficiency. The study revealed that many state websites lacked clear data on whether student performance was improving or declining, making it difficult for users to assess the impact of the pandemic on education outcomes. Even states with relatively good data presentation struggled to provide longitudinal data and subgroup performance information effectively.
Best Practices in Data Presentation
The study identified states like Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma for their user-friendly data visualization tools and accessible information on student performance over time. These states were commended for their efforts in providing clear and comprehensive data to users. Polikoff emphasized the importance of standardizing data presentation across states and recommended using successful models as templates for other states to follow. Additionally, the study called for increased user testing of state websites to improve usability and transparency in reporting academic recovery data.
Challenges Faced by Parents and Advocates
Polikoff highlighted the difficulties parents and advocates face in accessing and interpreting complex school data, emphasizing the need for more user-friendly interfaces and transparent reporting. He noted that while some parents may not have the time or expertise to navigate state report cards effectively, there is a growing demand for accessible information on school performance. The study underscored the role of the federal government in providing guidance and templates for states to improve their data reporting practices.
Recommendations for Improving State Report Cards
The authors of the report urged states to adopt more uniform systems for presenting student data and to prioritize user testing to enhance website usability. They emphasized the importance of transparency in reporting academic recovery data, even when the results are unfavorable. By following successful models and implementing standardized reporting practices, states can improve the accessibility and reliability of information on student achievement and well-being.
Closing Thoughts
As the education system continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for transparent and accessible data on student performance has never been more critical. By addressing the shortcomings identified in the CRPE study and implementing best practices in data presentation, states can better serve parents, advocates, and stakeholders in understanding and addressing the impact of the pandemic on student well-being. Through collaboration and a commitment to transparency, the education system can work towards ensuring the academic success and well-being of all students.