Buffalo schools release midyear reading and math proficiency rates

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — In November, Buffalo schools felt reading and math proficiency was not where it should be. With only one percent of black and African American third graders with an economic disadvantage doing math on grade level.

The district hoped to see progress and the latest numbers were released to the public on Wednesday.

“We looked at the 37 elementary schools that we have in the district, close to half of those schools have already at the midyear point got their children to benchmark level, I don't know if that has ever happened,” said Buffalo public schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams.

The key focus for school leaders -- economically disadvantaged third graders who nationally were the hardest hit in literacy and math skills when they were taken away from the classroom in 2020 because of COVID.

On Wednesday the district released a lengthy report outlining the "Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills", often called DIBELS.

In the beginning of the year, only 33% of economically disadvantaged children read at grade level.

In three months that number only increased by a single percentage point, which accounts for about 50 students.

“The percent of students who are significantly below or intensive are decreasing, which is what we want to see. It means they're increasing in proficiency. They may not be proficient yet, but it doesn't mean that they won't be. Perhaps by the end of the year or in the next year or so they will get there,” said Chief Academic Officer Anne Botticelli.

The numbers improved more drastically for math skills. In November only 26 economically disadvantage children were proficient, that has now grown to over 160 students.

“We are targeting students who are on that bubble that we know we can move to proficiency. So we're really going to be working with the schools to get lists of students and then check in regularly to see how those students are progressing,” continued Botticelli.

The end of the year goal is to have 39% of economic disadvantage third graders at benchmark reading level and 16% on grade level in math. There's still a long way to go but the district says this is great progress.

“We want people to see that what we are doing is making a difference. I want them to feel comfortable that when they come to our schools, students are being taught this through the science of reading. They are getting the skills developed and they get the support that they need to become proficient readers. So, it's important for us to share that information and data is the easiest way to do it,” concluded Botticelli.

There will be another presentation and discussion on the end of year test results in June, that's when we can expect the full picture and if BPS met their student proficiency goals.

To see the full update from BPS, click here.