Contact: Michelle Hudgins (202) 822-7823

November 15, 2007

NEA Encourages Urban Districts To Stay the Course

Weaver advises that resources and support are still needed

WASHINGTON--With the release of The Nation's Report Card: 2007 Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA) in Reading and Mathematics, the National Education Association continues to impress upon policymakers and community leaders the need for increased support and funding for public schools. The reports measure student achievement for fourth- and eighth-grade students in 11 of the largest urban school districts, all of which have large minority and low-income student populations. The districts included in the survey are Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, the District of Columbia, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Diego.

The TUDA report cards conclude that at both grades, most districts had higher percentages of students performing at or above "Basic" and "Proficient" in 2007 compared with 2003. In general, there was a reduction in percentages of students performing below "Basic" and an increase in percentages at or above "Basic." Survey findings also indicate that in many cases, when scores for Black, Hispanic or lower-income students in the districts are compared with their peers nationally, students in the districts score comparably or higher. Additionally, over time these student groups are making gains.

The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Reg Weaver:

"The NAEP Trial Urban District Assessment reports are necessary reminders that we cannot forget about any segment of the student population. Educators have said time and time again that students have the motivation and willingness to learn. What they don't often have are the tools and resources they need to be successful.

"At first glance, the numbers indicate that students are making progress. However, closer analysis indicates that we still have not found long-lasting solutions to closing the academic achievement gaps. Until we can get a better handle on what's working and what's not, we have to continue to strive to create quality learning environments where all students are empowered to succeed despite their economic status or living conditions and have access to the programs and support they need.

"Students in the school districts participating in the study should be rewarded for their perseverance and success despite the challenges and obstacles they face. The greatest reward would be to fully fund the so-called No Child Left Behind Act and make changes to the law that will result in tangible benefits for students."

Executive summaries and copies of the NAEP Trial Urban District Assessment report can be found at:http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pubs/dst2007/2008452.asp

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.