COVID-19’s Impact on Student Achievement and Academic Growth in DC

Reports
Written By Alli Wachtel

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2021

EmpowerK12 analyzed local assessment results of nearly 30,000 students in DC Public Schools (DCPS) and charter schools, finding that DC students students across grades K-8, on average, ended the 2020-21 school year with lower math and reading achievement.

Achievement was lower for all student groups in spring 2020-21. However, students designated as at-risk, Black, and Latinx students were disproportionately impacted. Academic growth rates throughout the 2020-21 school year were lower than typical; though, math growth, particularly in middle school, was closer to normal from winter-to-spring. Also, more time spent in-school receiving live instruction likely translated to improved academic growth, especially for students designated as at-risk.

Download the full brief, review our previous report from December 2020, or click the link below for an interactive visual story on unfinished learning in DC from spring 2020-21.

Unfinished Learning Panel Event

Deputy Mayor for Education, Paul Kihn; Interim State Superintendent for Education, Dr. Christina Grant; and Friendship PCS CEO, Patricia Brantley joined us for a panel on addressing unfinished student learning, hosted by Education Forward Managing Partner, Bisi Oyedele.

Alli Wachtel

I’m Alli, a creative consultant who believes in creating great work for people and organizations who are dedicated to making positive change.

https://dotgridstudio.com
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