Similar gains were shown in math between 1990 and 1996. The report also found NAEP math and reading gains for low-performing 4th graders. Department officials acknowledged last week that much work was still needed to reduce the achievement gap between low-income students and their wealthier peers. Even so, results reported by a select number of states and school districts showed progress in the percentage of students in high-poverty schools meeting standards for math and reading proficiency. For instance, six large urban districts, including Houston and San Francisco, made progress in both areas.
Critics argue, though, that it is premature to reach any meaningful conclusions.
I had on improved test scores. Correlation does not prove causation. I's impact is that the program now allows states and districts greater flexibility in using its funding. Education Department officials said that more research was needed and that the results cited in the report were intricately tied to state and local efforts to implement new standards and tests. But acting Deputy Secretary of Education Marshall S. Smith maintained that there was some evidence of progress.