ANTHONY HAMLET Ed.D
by Courier Newsroom
Dear Editor:
For those of us invested in the achievement of students in Pittsburgh Public Schools, the recently released results of standardized test scores offered a mixed message. On one hand, we saw gains in student performance on the PSSA, particularly in science, over 2018. We were likewise encouraged to see the percent of African American students scoring proficient or advanced increased on 8 of 14 exams in 2019.
On the other hand, we also saw signals that show we clearly have more work to do. Following two years of steady performance, overall District performance on the Keystone Exams declined on all three exams, including performance by African American students. This is disappointing—as Superintendent, I share the opinion of parents, teachers, staff, and stakeholders that anything short of gains across all categories, for all students, is unacceptable.
To address these gaps, we need more information. Toward that end, PPS is this year introducing the Northwest Evaluation Association’s Measures of Academic Progress system, known as MAP Growth. This tool offers more data from fewer assessments to create a more precise evaluation of student progress. It provides the data and supports that teachers need to make instructional decisions that can often be pivotal in determining the academic success of a child.
Through MAP Growth, the District will receive valuable data on student performance on Pennsylvania state standards, eligible content, Lexiles, and K-2 foundational skills. Additionally, MAP Growth will help identify students who may require additional diagnostic assessments and interventions.
By addressing these underlying factors behind this year’s declines, we intend to close these gaps and provide support to students exactly where they need it, while building on the successes and best practices that resulted in this year’s gains.
Addressing years of deficits is a daunting task; creating a culture shift that insists on excellence for all students is not a goal that can be achieved overnight, nor without obstacles. If it were that easy, the deficits would not exist in the first place. But to succeed, we must rededicate ourselves in the face of adversity, with our eyes fixed on the endpoint. As President Obama said: “If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.”
I am here to say that I am more than willing to keep walking. I am here for the duration. Our children deserve that commitment, and it is what I signed on to do when I accepted the position as Superintendent. I encourage you to join me in this journey, and I welcome the day when we may all celebrate what we achieve together.
Dr. Anthony Hamlet
Pittsburgh, Pa.
(Dr. Anthony Hamlet is Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools.)
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