School Officials Get Academics Update

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The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has received an update on the academic progress of district students since the partnership agreement with the state went into effect. Acting Superintendent Patricia Robinson tells WSJM News there’s been some progress on reading scores, but they’re having trouble increasing math scores. A big part of the problem is the lack of certified math teachers.

“Currently in our district, we have three certified math teachers,” Robinson said. “We have two at the high school level and then we have one at the middle school level. When you couple that with a very rigorous curriculum like we have with Eureka Math, you flat line or you decrease in scores.”

Robinson said the numbers are based off a combination of test scores at all grade levels. She says the partnership agreement stated that at the 18 month mark, the district would have 15% of students proficient at math, and they’re currently at 6%. The focus is on reaching those agreement goals.