The Role of School Boards in Student Performance
As a passionate advocate for data-driven educational decisions, I deeply believe that our strategies should be informed by accurate and comprehensive data, especially when it comes to shaping the futures of our children.
My journey stems not only from my enthusiasm for data but also from my experiences as a parent to four children in Albuquerque schools and as a former fourth-grade teacher.
To my surprise, I discovered that school boards typically allocate a shockingly small fraction of their time—between 0% and 5%—to the analysis of academic performance and student outcomes.
Instead, a significant portion of their time is spent on trivial matters like naming school buildings, debating sports schedules, or deciding on mundane supplies such as paper towels.
School boards play a crucial role in local governance and community problem-solving through democratic processes.
It was this realization, fueled by my concerns over the lack of focus on academic achievement in our local board’s agenda, that led me to run for a board position in 2021.
After reaching out to about 8,000 families in our community, I am now honored to serve as the president of the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education.
Our board has worked diligently to shift our focus toward discussions centered around student performance.
Recently, we examined state assessment data, which highlighted particularly troubling achievement rates among Native American students.
This prompted significant dialogues, resulting in our district’s superintendent committing to improve communication by sharing this information with tribal leaders.
Addressing the NAEP Results
Although initiating this transformation has been demanding, with political distractions and entrenched practices hindering our efforts, it is essential to keep the spotlight on student performance data, especially in light of the concerning trends revealed by the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
The NAEP results indicate ongoing declines in reading proficiency, with national scores for both fourth and eighth graders falling further, continuing the trend noted in the 2022 data.
While fourth-grade math scores showed a slight increase, eighth-grade math scores remained stagnant after a significant drop in the previous assessment cycle.
As the only standardized assessment that allows policymakers and educators to compare student performance across various states and urban districts—including Albuquerque—the NAEP’s findings cannot be ignored.
My colleagues and I are committed to a close analysis of our district’s results.
I am particularly eager to understand the challenges that middle school students are facing, as eighth graders have seen declines in both math and reading scores.
Additionally, it is crucial to delve into the reasons behind the stagnation of our fourth graders’ math scores while the national average improved.
Taking Action for Improvement
However, an analysis of data alone is not enough; we must act decisively.
Our board has set measurable goals related to math, reading, and college/career readiness, and we review our progress each month.
We hold district leadership accountable for reaching these objectives to ensure that critical issues receive the necessary attention.
For instance, we have witnessed a growth in grade-level proficiency among specific student groups, increasing from 11.3% in 2023 to 12.8% in 2024.
This 2.5 percentage point rise since 2022 represents real learning gains for students who are Native American, African American, economically disadvantaged, English learners, or have learning disabilities.
- Dive into the NAEP results, which provide valuable insights at the national, state, and large urban district levels, including demographic breakdowns.
Pay particular attention to the significant declines in reading and math scores for Hispanic eighth graders, and consider how these trends play out locally.
- Reflect on the specific questions you want to ask your district leaders after reviewing the data.
- Set measurable goals using diverse, reliable data sources.
As a board member or engaged parent, use your position to ensure accountability in achieving these objectives.
- Don’t neglect the importance of non-academic data.
The Nation’s Report Card includes student survey responses about self-confidence and chronic absenteeism; while there have been some improvements, these metrics haven’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Analyzing this information can provide critical insights into student well-being and the overall climate within our schools.
As a parent, I vividly remember the frustration of watching my sixth grader work on fourth-grade assignments throughout the pandemic.
Being present in her virtual classroom allowed me to identify the issue; however, I found it challenging to engage school or district officials for a resolution.
This experience spurred me to join the school board, where I have come to understand how much board members can influence school responsiveness to both student needs and parental concerns.
Nonetheless, achieving this requires a steadfast focus on the essential factors that drive educational success.
Source: The74million