A new analysis of North Carolina 2022-23 test results shared in the Year-Over-Year State Analysis Report indicates clear signs of continued academic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for students in the Public Schools of Robeson County and across the state.
The 2023 Year-Over-Year State Analysis Report, released recently, indicates further progress towards recovery and also affirms that PSRC and North Carolina students are steadily continuing to recover from the pandemic, with gains virtually across all grades and subjects. In most areas, PSRC is recovering at a faster pace than the state.
The 2023 Year-Over-Year State Analysis Report is part of an effort by State Superintendent Catherine Truitt and the Office of Learning Recovery to measure the pandemic’s impact on student learning for North Carolina students in grades 3-12.
This report provides critical information to assist districts in making evidence-based decisions in their instructional programming and support structures. PSRC will continue to utilize this data to gauge progress and support all students in their learning acceleration, according to school district leaders.
“Principals have been able to use data to gauge how students are performing. This data will also be used to identify resources or professional development that would help teachers support students and assist with improving the quality of learning as we continue to implement the curriculum,” according to Dr. Windy Dorsey Carr, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability at PSRC.
On average, the data shows that PSRC schools are showing signs of academic recovery in nearly every subject – with the strongest gains measured in EOG Reading Grade 3. Notable gains are also found in Reading and Math for grades 3-5.
These district-wide gains can be attributed to the implementation of the EL Education K-8 Language Arts Curriculum and Eureka Math Squared Curriculum for K-7 grades, the dedication of PSRC staff, the determination of PSRC students, and the support of families, according to school district leaders.
The tables below outline the gains made in percent proficiency in grades 3-12 ELA, 3-12 Math, and grades 5 and 8 Science and Biology since the pandemic.
Table 1. Grades 3-12 ELA Gains in Percent Proficient
ELA | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | English II |
2021 | 24% | 22% | 20% | 23% | 22% | 23% | 35% |
2022 | 28% | 26% | 20% | 25% | 26% | 28% | 38% |
2023 | 34% | 31% | 23% | 24% | 30% | 29% | 37% |
Table 2. Grades 3-12 Math Gains in Percent Proficient
Math | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | Math I |
2021 | 23% | 12% | 13% | 12% | 14% | 6% | 15% |
2022 | 45% | 22% | 22% | 28% | 23% | 17% | 24% |
2023 | 48% | 33% | 27% | 24% | 28% | 13% | 31% |
Table 3. Grades 5, 8, and Biology Gains in Percent Proficient
Science | 5th Grade | 8th Grade | Biology |
2021 | 25% | 45% | 24% |
2022 | 41% | 58% | 39% |
2023 | 42% | 56% | 47% |
“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, we celebrate the success we have seen in student progress in the areas of reading and math. Our focus is on continued targeted and evidence-based reading and math instruction that helps support our students' continued growth,“ said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “The district has laid a strong foundation and we look forward to another successful year of academic growth.”
Dr. Dorsey-Carr
(Header photo is stock photo retrieved from Canva.com)