Carper Applauds Improvements in Student Test Scores

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Thomas R. Carper applauded improvements in Delaware’s student testing results and held them up as proof that the bipartisan education reforms implemented in Delaware in the last decade are making some progress. By passing the “No Child Left Behind” Act earlier this year, the federal government is now better able help Delaware students reach higher levels of achievement. “I’ve said before that setting our schools on the right path is like changing the direction of an aircraft carrier – it takes time, patience, and commitment. These scores are proof that our ship is turning the corner. Raising student achievement is a slow process, but we are clearly making progress,” Carper said. “The bipartisan education reform bill we passed is providing even more resources and more flexibly to help Delaware raise student achievement even further. In many ways the federal bill made Delaware a model for the nation. These scores prove that effort well-founded.” Carper, who instituted statewide public school choice and the state’s comprehensive system of standardized testing and accountability during his time as Governor of Delaware, noted that this year’s scores mark the fourth consecutive year of improvement in nearly every grade level in reading and math. Despite the success, Carper warned against complacency. “I often say the road to improvement is always under construction, and the road to raising student achievement is as well,” Carper said. “This is not the time to declare victory. This is the time to applaud the improvements that are reflected in this year’s test scores, even while we redouble our efforts to bring about improvements in areas where it is still needed.”