CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools are now working to correct a significant loss of learning issue made clear from the fall semester End of Course testing results just released this month. The outcome shows a drastic drop in testing scores in the subject areas of biology, english, and math.
These tests results were compared to the 2019-2020 school year. One of the initial differences between the two school years shows a smaller percentage of students actually took the EOC tests. In CMS 88% of students tested.
“You can see for the state and CMS neither were able to achieve that 95% threshold given the pandemic conditions,” CMS Equity Committee Head Frank Barnes said.
Test scores also show a significant increase in the percentage of students whose learning is 'not proficient.' Specifically, in biology half of students show learning loss compared to last school year. In Math 1, the percentage of not proficient nearly doubled.
“What you’re seeing in the district data is following the same trends we’re seeing statewide,” Barnes said.
Many parents have shared how eager they are to get their students back into the classroom to help give them the in-person learning they truly need.
“Personally as a 3rd grade parent my son has EOGs for the first time year. He needs this month in class with the teacher really harping and going over things that he has to learn for this testing, some things that I can’t provide,” CMS parent Nicole Brown said.
CMS is providing one possible solution to the loss of learning by supplementing with summer learning. But it will be unlike traditional instruction during the school year.
"There will be academic content, there will be enrichment opportunities, different electives that students may pick so there may be joy and play but they’ll be learning as well,” Barnes said.
Parents have until April 9 to pre-register for the CMS summer learning program.