Advocates ask CMS to do more to improve third-grade performance in school

CHARLOTTE — A report from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools indicated most third-grade students are performing well below the district’s goal for their academic performance.

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Hispanic and Black students showed the worst performances, according to the report.

The projections stated that about 95% of Hispanic and Black students are off track on their performance.

CMS leaders presented their progress-monitoring report Wednesday, which shows third-graders’ performance for English Language Arts.

At the end of the first semester this year, 13.4% of third-grade students are projected to meet the goal on end-of-year exams, which is down from 29.3% at the end of 2021.

Black and Hispanic students combined were at 5.9%, which is down from 15.9% the year before.

The report breaks down five steps:

1. Shifting from a universal approach for all students to being laser-focused on the progress of Black and Hispanic students.

2. Hold literacy instruction training for staff.

3. Include small groups and targeted instruction.

4. Add at least 30 more minutes daily for literacy instruction.

5. Use any extra time intentionally.

The African American Faith Alliance, backed by a group of concerned citizens and parents, said Wednesday the plan is not a good enough response to the data.

“We need an execution plan,” said Rev. Dennis Williams of the African American Faith Alliance. “What we have seen over and over is just pretty reports, nice graphs, kids smiling, a frame of a plan with no way to make it happen.”

“People have said over and over the pandemic did it,” said Rev. Jordan Boyd, African American Faith Alliance. “We sat in meeting after meeting with leaders prior to the pandemic. They had no plan.”

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CMS Board member Sean Strain was not alone when he asked why the district didn’t do more sooner.

“The strategies you’ve laid out, the five strategies,” Strain said. “If those had been employed a year ago, where would we be today?”

“We made some intentional choices,” CMS Superintendent Earnest Winston. “We chose the health of our students, staff, our families, elders in our community. And I think we have to acknowledge those intentional decisions we made. They have had an academic consequence.”

The superintendent was also asked where resources would come from to ensure teachers and staff can execute the plan.

He told board members that a proposal will be laid out in a future conversation.

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CMS holds ‘Let’s Talk about Safety’ discussions with parents, students

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