ELA Scores Up +7.3% Math Scores Hold Nearly Steady to Pre-Pandemic Level
Actions Taken During Pandemic Proved to be Difference in Mitigating Learning Loss
As the 2022-2023 academic year begins, Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York are proud to report their scores on state exams in both Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). Once again, the Catholic values-infused curriculum taught in the Archdiocese of New York has produced results that lead most schools in the state of New York.
Recently released scores for 2022 from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for grades 3-8 reflect nearly 52% of students passed math and 64% of students passed reading.
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York have maintained this level of excellence with the support and leadership of His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan. Catholic Schools invested heavily in curriculum, student supports, professional development, technology, and social-emotional support for students and staff alike. These efforts mitigated and often eliminated the degree of learning loss experienced in school systems around the country.
“Our ELA scores jumped by 7.3 percent, while our math scores held steady with a slight decline from pre-pandemic levels,” said Mr. Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York. “This is a testament to the dedication of our pastors, principals, and teachers in delivering a Christ-centered, academically excellent education. These results demonstrate that our work will continue to achieve positive outcomes and elevated expectations for all our students.”
In NYC (New York City) government schools, 49% of all students passed reading and 37.9% passed math. Looking nationally, while different from a state assessment, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducted a special administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) long-term trend (LTT) reading and mathematics assessments to examine student achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic which revealed average scores for age nine students in 2022 declined 5 points in reading and 7 points in mathematics compared to 2020.
Superintendent Deegan has previously noted that state test scores are one factor of academic success; the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York use multiple measures of student growth and achievement. Deegan recently wrote an op-ed “Wising up to Testing” In the New York Daily News- that outlines the commitment of Catholic Schools to the ongoing growth and achievement of their students using NWEA MAP. On the NWEA MAP test, the average Catholic school student consistently outpaces the 50th percentile compared to peers across the country.
“These results demonstrate that the proactive steps we took, the bold decisions we made—not the least of which was to open our doors for in-person learning in September 2020—made the difference in combating pandemic-induced learning loss,” said Mr. Deegan.
We are still welcoming admissions for the 2022-23 school year, and you can click here to apply for this year while space and financial aid are still available. Now is the ideal time to visit and select the right school for your child. Scholarships will be available: the earlier families apply, the better their chances of receiving financial aid.