Results from the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening(PALS) data from the University of Virginia showed that in 2021 and 2022, only 48.8% met state guidelines for being at school level. This is a major drop from 2019, when 71% met state guidelines. PALS data only covers grades K-2.
The majority of the state saw similiar drops, some which are being attributed to covid shutdowns.
Northampton’s kindergarten students at or above benchmark scores fell from 73.1% in 2019 to 42% in 2020–they are now up to 48.8% in 2021. First grade students fell from 75% to 48.9% from 2019 to 2020, and continued to slide, dipping to 42.7% in 2021. Second graders dropped from 67.4% in 2019 to 55.3% in 2020, are are currently at 54.8% in 2021.
Despite the drops, Northampton schools remain accredited.
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