When more students move in and out of the classroom midyear, third grade test scores tend to decline, according to a study at the Colorado Futures Center at Colorado State University, as reported in Education Slice.
The study found that higher classroom churn, when students leave or join a classroom midyear, is correlated with lower third grade reading scores.
This trend is expected to have increased since 2019 due to higher levels of chronic absenteeism and lost learning caused by the pandemic.
The study also revealed that classroom churn was one of many factors affecting academic success. Early intervention and policies that impact young students were found to be most effective in improving third grade reading scores.
The study highlights the challenges faced by both students who constantly change schools and those who remain in the classroom. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing classroom churn and implementing policies to support students’ academic preparedness after high school.
Education Slice
