Time for bold changes in Vermont educational system?

Vermont public school students in grades three to eight improved slightly in reading, dipped slightly in math and continued to struggle with writing, according to standardized test results published February 5, 2008, by the Vermont Education Department.

Worrisome achievement gaps persisted between poor students and those with more money, boys and girls, and special education students compared with those without disabilities. Vermont Education Commissioner Richard Cate said the performance gaps and large numbers of students below standard mean it’s time for bold changes in the way Vermont educates students.

“I just don’t think that we can make significant change to the outcomes for kids without making significant change to how they are educated,” Cate said. Read about the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) test results and what it means in the Burlington Free Press online.