News Summary
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has reported significant improvements in literacy and math skills among elementary students. Under the leadership of Superintendent Bryan Johnson, APS has seen an increase in fourth-grade reading and math scores, unlike many other school districts facing declining trends. The success is attributed to the implementation of the ‘science of reading’ program and efforts to enhance teacher retention and mental health support. Despite ongoing challenges like absenteeism and disparities in academic outcomes, APS is committed to expanding its literacy strategies and improving educational quality for all students.
Atlanta – Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has demonstrated significant improvement in its elementary school students’ literacy and math skills despite facing ongoing challenges. Under the leadership of new Superintendent Bryan Johnson, who began his tenure in August 2023, the district stands out as the only large urban school district in the U.S. to report substantial gains in fourth-grade reading and math scores on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
According to the recent NAEP results, fourth graders in APS exhibited a seven percentage point increase in reading scores and an eight percentage point increase in math scores compared to 2022. This upward trend is notable as it occurs within a national context characterized by declining NAEP scores.
The improvements in academic performance have been attributed to the district’s implementation of the “science of reading” program. This comprehensive program emphasizes essential components of literacy such as intensive phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension across all elementary schools in the district. To support these initiatives, APS has allotted approximately $12 million to expand literacy strategies throughout the district.
In addition to academic investments, APS has prioritized teacher retention by increasing teacher salaries by 11 percent. This pay increase positions APS as the top-paying school district in the metro area, encouraging experienced teachers to join and remain within the system. As a result, the number of teachers with three or more years of experience at APS has increased by 20 percentage points.
The district recognizes the critical role of mental health in student success and has doubled its funding for mental health supports, rising from $14 million in 2021 to nearly $28 million today. This effort is supported by community partnerships aimed at ensuring both academic and emotional well-being for students.
Despite these positive trends, APS continues to grapple with significant challenges. High rates of chronic absenteeism have been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic, severely impacting student performance. Additionally, disparities persist in academic outcomes, particularly affecting economically disadvantaged students, Black students, students with disabilities, and English learners. Data shows that eighth-grade reading scores remained flat in APS, while math scores for eighth graders experienced a seven percentage point decline.
In response to these ongoing challenges, APS is committed to expanding its literacy strategies into middle schools and providing tailored interventions for struggling students. The recent passage of legislation by state lawmakers in 2024 mandates that school districts align their literacy practices with scientific research, which may further bolster APS efforts to improve literacy across all grade levels.
To foster innovative teaching techniques, APS encourages teachers to adopt creative instructional methods that engage students. For instance, a recent class exercise in scene-writing was employed to enhance literacy skills among fourth graders. Such innovative strategies are essential for maintaining student interest and improving educational outcomes.
The combination of significant curriculum enhancements, financial investments in teaching staff, and a strong focus on mental health represents a holistic approach to addressing the educational needs of students at APS. As the district continues to navigate its challenges, the progress made in early literacy and math scores illustrates a dedicated response to improve educational quality for all students.
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Good News About Atlanta Public Schools
- Eastern Progress: Best Public High Schools in the Atlanta Metro Area
- AJC: Atlanta Tops the Nation with Major 4th Grade Reading Gains
- Grice Connect: GADOE Recognizes Schools with Exceptional Achievement
- Wikipedia: Education in Atlanta
