Compton Unified School District (CUSD) was spotlighted in a recent AP News story for its remarkable academic achievements, distinguishing itself as a leader in educational recovery post-pandemic. While many districts nationwide continue to face challenges in bridging learning gaps, CUSD has demonstrated significant progress in both reading and math scores. This success is particularly noteworthy given the district's socioeconomic student population.

As highlighted in the AP story written by Annie Ma and Jocelyn Gecker, the test score information was based on the recent release of the Education Recovery Scorecard analysis by researchers at Harvard, Stanford and Dartmouth, that measures year-to-year comparisons across states and districts, providing the most comprehensive picture yet of how American students are performing since COVID-19 first disrupted learning.

The story notes the district's approach to educational recovery has been multifaceted. By investing in more than 250 specialized tutors for subjects like math, reading, and English language learning, CUSD has ensured that students receive personalized attention. These tutors are integrated into classrooms, providing support during lessons, as well as offering additional tutoring sessions before and after school, and even on Saturdays. Furthermore, the district has expanded its summer programs and initiated dyslexia screenings across all elementary schools to address diverse learning needs.

The impact of these interventions is evident in the district's performance metrics. For instance, the graduation rate has surged to 93%, a substantial increase from 58% in 2012. Students, like sixth-grader Harmoni Knight, have expressed increased confidence and improved understanding of challenging subjects, attributing their success to the available tutoring and support programs. Harmoni's experience reflects a broader trend within the district, where students are not only catching up but excelling.

The article concludes that the district's journey serves as an inspiring example of how targeted interventions and a dedicated community can overcome educational challenges, offering valuable lessons for other districts aiming to enhance student achievement.

Read full AP News article here: https://apnews.com/article/math-reading-school-district-test-scores-f110ef05fb62f673530f44b120863bec