The news about pandemic learning loss is sobering. Recent data show unprecedented declines in math and reading achievement; the losses were most pronounced for Black and Hispanic students.
At Garfield Park Academy, however, students continued to make measurable gains, even as the rest of the nation’s students lost ground. Last year, students at GPA showed gains, on average, of one to three reading levels in one year, even when COVID interrupted in-person learning.
Most students come to GPA well below grade level in reading, and many have undiagnosed reading disabilities. Using individualized, multi-sensory science-based reading instruction, and working with students in small groups and 1:1, educators and the reading specialist can help even the most challenged readers make gains.
