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Des Moines students recovering from pandemic learning loss

Data: ; Note: 2019–20 missing due to the COVID–19 pandemic; Chart: Nicki Camberg/AxiosStudents in the Des Moines school district are starting to recover their standardized test scores after the pandemic disrupted their learning, according to shared on Wednesday. Why it matters: It's a positive sign that returning to the normal pace of school is getting students back on track. State of play: The majority of Des Moines' fifth-grade students improved from the previous year.In reading and science, they actually exceeded pre-pandemic levels, according to results from the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress. Yes, but: Declines continued in math, dropping from 46% proficiency in 2020-21 to 43% proficiency last year. The majority of the state saw 5th grade math scores improve. Interim Superintendent Matt Smith contributed Des Moines' decline to teacher shortages and a new math curriculum that was not properly put in place, the Register . Of note: 8th and 10th grade DMPS students also saw improvements in their language arts and science test scores. Between the lines: The urban district is the largest in the state and has a significantly more diverse and lower-income student population who were by the pandemic. The big picture: Des Moines' 5th grade proficiency rates are still lower in comparison to surrounding suburban schools, like West Des Moines who scored 65% language arts proficiency and Urbandale who scored 75%. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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