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You are here: APS Home → Press Room → APS Gets National Recognition for Academic Improvements

APS Gets National Recognition for Academic Improvements

Superintendent Takes Part in Washington, D.C., Announcement

March 19, 2010

Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Winston Brooks joined other big-city school leaders Monday in Washington, D.C., to announce the results of a study showing that the nation’s urban schools are making measurable academic gains.

The Council of the Great City Schools, a coalition of the nation’s largest urban public school districts, released its ninth edition of “Beating the Odds,” a report that gives the nation an in-depth look at how big-city schools are performing. The report concluded that urban school districts, including APS, are making gains in math and reading scores on state assessments. The report also showed some evidence that racially and economically identifiable achievement gaps may be narrowing. Read it online >>

The study examined data of 65 city school systems from 37 states and the District of Columbia.

“The statistics gathered by the Council of the Great City Schools indicate that Albuquerque Public Schools and other urban school districts are making important academic gains and that we are taking steps toward narrowing the achievement gap,” said Brooks, who was in Washington for a legislative/policy conference. “I’m pleased to be part of this major announcement.  It shows that our hard work is beginning to pay off.”

District vs. State Comparisons

According to the report, APS is one of only 13 Great City districts with fourth-grade math and reading scores equal to or greater than their respective state averages; it is one of only six districts with eighth-grade math and reading scores equal to or greater than their respective state averages.

Improved Math Scores

The study found that 79 percent of districts, including APS, increased the percentage of fourth-grade students who scored at or above proficient in math between 2006 and 2009. The study also found that 88 percent of districts, including APS, increased the percentage of eighth-grade students who scored at or above proficient in math during that same period.

Improved Reading Scores

On reading assessments, the study concluded that 71 percent of districts, including APS, increased the percentage of eighth-grade students who scored at or above proficient between 2006 and 2009. In APS, that number increased by 14 percentage points.

The Achievement Gap

The “Beating the Odds” report indicated that 67 percent of Great City districts, including APS, narrowed the gap in math scores between fourth-grade Hispanic and White students; 69 percent of school districts, including APS, also narrowed the Hispanic-White gap in math achievement among eighth graders.

In reading, the study found that 57 percent of districts, including APS, narrowed the achievement gap between Hispanic and White fourth graders; 53 percent, APS included, narrowed the gap in reading between Hispanic and White eighth graders.

The study also found some evidence that the achievement gap in reading and math between economically disadvantaged students and non-economically disadvantaged students had narrowed slightly.

The gains have captured the attention of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Across the country, we see many extraordinary schools and districts serving high-poverty populations that are succeeding year after year,” he said. “We have to recognize and reward them for their excellence. More importantly, we need to learn from these examples and replicate their work elsewhere."

The news conference to release the report was held Monday at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. In addition to Superintendent Brooks, other speakers included:

  • Michael Casserly, executive director of the Council of Great City Schools
  • Maria Goodloe-Johnson, superintendent of Seattle Public Schools
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