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Los Angeles Unified SBA Scores Show Growth in Every Grade, Every Demographic, and Outpacing the State (10-11-24)
Los Angeles, CA (Oct. 11, 2024) – Los Angeles Unified students achieved the largest increase from 2022 to 2023 on the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) test in comparison with other districts across the State of California. Every grade level and nearly every student demographic demonstrated improvement, and Priority Schools saw bigger gains than non-Priority Schools – our students are achieving success regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The achievement gap is closing.
“Los Angeles Unified has been diligently working to mitigate pandemic learning loss and to ensure that every student reaches their highest potential,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “We developed a multitiered approach to student learning which includes high-dose tutoring, interventionists for high needs schools, multilingual, multicultural academic language coaches, attendance initiatives and an increased number of Psychiatric Social Workers (PSWs) to support the social emotional wellbeing of students. These latest scores indicate our efforts are working. We recognize there is still more to do and we are committed to making sure every student graduates ready for the world.”
The rate of students who met or exceeded standards in ELA increased by 1.9% which outpaced the State by 500%, and the rate of students who met or exceeded standards in Math rose by 2.3% which outpaced the State by 300%. Other significant data includes:
- Gains in every grade level.
- Gains in every student demographic.
- Priority Schools outpaced statewide improvement rates.
- Black students, English Learners, students with disabilities, Priority Schools and all 3rd to 5th grade students exceeded pre-pandemic levels in Math.
- Students with disabilities, English Learners and Priority Schools exceeded pre-pandemic levels in ELA.
“We have been diligent in our planning and fiscal choices in prioritizing instructional programs, intervention strategies, connectivity support and wraparound supports,” Superintendent Carvalho continued. “Our schools are making positive strides and should be celebrated for their achievements. Want to thank our teachers, school site employees, District leaders, support staff and families for their commitment to our students and school communities. We are transforming lives.”
“We know that our students and schools are so much more than a number, but I am very pleased to see that our Smarter d Assessment (SBA) scores have made impressive gains,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “This is a great step in the right direction. It is also a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our educators and students.”
“The scores that our students achieved on the SBA reflect the hard work and dedication of both themselves, teachers and staff,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Although not every student demographic saw an increase in scores, we have not forgotten them and will push harder this year to see them cross that threshold. LAUSD is proud of our students, teachers and staff as we show that our district is a leader in education across California.”
I am very proud to see the achievement growth throughout the District reflected in the latest Smarter Balanced Assessment scores," Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. "I am especially proud of the hard work and dedication of teachers,administrators, students and staff in Board District 1 that made this growth possible.
“While we recognize there is still more work ahead, the District’s improved scores reflect the dedication and hard work of our students, educators and school communities,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “We're encouraged by the progress and remain committed to continued growth.”
“This year’s outcomes give me hope that LA Unified is headed in the right direction,” Board Member Nick Mevoin said. “I’m most heartened to see that targeted, equitable strategies to support disadvantaged students are showing promise. We have not yet achieved the success our students deserve, but I hope the district will continue to look closely at what is working and adjust our strategies until all students are ready to succeed in school and beyond.”
“Los Angeles Unified made impressive gains this past year, thanks to the hard work of our educators, staff, students and families,” Board Member Kelly Gonez. “While we continue to push for additional progress, I’m proud of the collective effort to ensure all students – across all student groups – are growing and learning.”
“Halfway into implementation of the 2022-26 Strategic Plan, I’m proud to see progress in mathematics of nearly 11 points on average closer to standard, including over 12 points growth for low-income students and students with disabilities and over 20 points growth for English Language Learners,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz-Franklin said. “To achieve our board goals of 30 points growth in ELA and 40 points growth in math, we must accelerate our progress even more these next two years. I am confident that with high-quality curriculum implementation, data-driven professional development, and tiered support given to schools, LA Unified will reach our goals and ensure all students are fully prepared to thrive in the college, career and life of their choice.”
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.
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