It is great to read that a new method of teaching can be expected to improve “proficiency” in reading (“‘The science of reading’ method to be taught at Maryland schools next academic year. What does that mean?” Jan. 24).
A 4th grade proficiency in Maryland of just 31% sounds alarming. But I wish reporters would put these “sky is falling” statements into context. Looking at 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) levels of 4th grade in reading, only 32% of 4th grade students performed at or above “proficient.” Reporting data without context does little to really inform.
Is it just regurgitating spoon-fed cherry-picked statistics? Can we question how and why the test’s “proficient” rating is set as it is? Is it skewed to create a predetermined perception? Is this benchmark a good measure of educational achievement?
As the old saying goes; “There are lies, damn lies and statistics.”
— Larry Williams, Towson
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![In a fight between local residents and unlicensed cannabis stores, the locals are winning. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul have shut down more than 1,000 illegal cannabis shops. City and state officials have seized over $63 million worth of illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia. This is a side effect of legalized cannabis. In New York City, more than 779 illegal stores have been padlocked, according to Hochul’s office. The New York State Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force has closed an additional 230 across the state. The video above shows a little of what New […]](https://www.baltimoresun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Immigration_Mayors_49907-1.jpg?w=525 "In a fight between local residents and unlicensed cannabis stores, the locals are winning. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul have shut down more than 1,000 illegal cannabis shops. City and state officials have seized over $63 million worth of illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia. This is a side effect of legalized cannabis. In New York City, more than 779 illegal stores have been padlocked, according to Hochul’s office. The New York State Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force has closed an additional 230 across the state. The video above shows a little of what New […]")
