Sierra Expeditionary Learning ranks 203rd among California elementary schools in math testing

Sierra Expeditionary Learning students ranked 203rd in California among elementary schools, with 60.4 percent of all students meeting math requirements in the 2020-2021 school year, according to the California Department of Education (CDE).

CDE data showed public school test scores in the state are improving but at a prolonged rate. Consequently, it could take up to decades to close the achievement gap in academic performance associated with race and class. In this case, the disparities between students of the following subgroups: white, Asian, Latino and Black.

Paul E. Barton, former director of the Policy Information Center at Educational Testing Services, in his paper Closing Achievement Gaps said “Closing the gap must be more than a one-front operation. Educators must hold themselves responsible and accountable for improving schools when and where we can. We must recognize that the achievement gap has deep roots.”

Elisha Smith Arrillaga, executive director of the Education Trust-West, said “these results are really a wake-up call, but the phone’s been ringing unanswered on this for years. California can’t be complacent with results like these.”

It is apparent that systemic changes need to be made in order to overcome the achievement gap of California public schools.