Schools today prepare many more students for higher education. More students are taking challenging coursework. The numbers of students taking at least 4 years of English and 3 years of math and science is up. Today s schools are much more successful at educating all students . In the past, students who had learning difficulties or special physical or mental challenges fell by the wayside or were even excluded from public school.
Educators now know a great deal more about the brain and how learning takes place .
This knowledge is leading to more effective teaching methods. Something to think about. Cedar Rapids students score above national average While average test scores in Iowa declined slightly for the second year, 1998-99 standardized test scores for students in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools remained stable. Despite an increase in the numbers of students with learning, family, or economic challenges, Cedar Rapids students continue to do well. Grade levels continue to post at least one year s growth on the ITBS and ITED standardized tests and all grades outscore national averages.