Monday, July 8, 2019

Camden Students Show Gains In Math, Other Areas

A new study from the Stanford University Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) shows significant improvements in math proficiency among Camden students, as well as other gains relative to the state average for certain demographics.
The findings reflect what many Camden students and parents already know – investments in its district-operated schools, and collaboration with renaissance and charter schools, have generated real, meaningful results and progress.
“The CREDO study affirms that our collaborative and focused efforts over the last five years have benefitted Camden students,” said Superintendent Katrina McCombs. “This rigorous independent study demonstrates that citywide, student performance has improved since 2014.  We applaud the educators, families, and community leaders for this progress and thank them for their commitment to our students.”  
Citywide, Camden students are learning much more each year than they were just a few years ago.  Specifically, students are receiving the equivalent of, approximately, an additional 85 days of learning in math and an approximate 30 days in reading relative to the state average, compared to the 2014-2015 school year.
Annual student growth has improved in both reading and math in district schools, while charter and renaissance schools register growth at or above the statewide average. 
“The work of turning around a school district is slow and challenging.  While no one study can tell the whole story of what’s happening in our schools, CREDO gives empirical evidence that the city is moving in the right direction,” said Min. Wasim Muhammad, Camden City School District Advisory Board member.” The fact that we see bright spots in all three sectors of Camden’s education landscape - district, charter, and renaissance - shows that the district’s leadership is ensuring that a rising tide is lifting all boats.”
Other key takeaways from the study show that Camden students in poverty are experiencing learning growth in math and reading at rates equal to their peers statewide, as are Camden special education students.
Camden’s renaissance schools, in particular, are helping students excel beyond what was previously believed possible. The study shows that students’ at all three renaissance networks outperform their peers statewide in terms of annual student growth in both math and reading. Renaissance school students received the equivalent of an additional 45 days of learning in reading and an additional 65 days of learning in math compared to their peers statewide. Renaissance schools also exceeded statewide growth for all subgroups studied, including Black students, Hispanic students, students in poverty, Special Education students, English language learners, male students, and female students.
“The District’s commitment to equitably serving all students is yielding real results,” said Camden Mayor Francisco “Frank” Moran. “They are proving that you can provide more high quality choices for families and improve outcomes for students who have traditionally been most underserved.”
A full summary of the CREDO study’s findings can be found here. For more information regarding the Camden City School District, its students, and the collaborative education efforts taking place in the city, please visit http://www.camden.k12.nj.us/.

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