Former Governor Edward Rendell was joined by Democratic leaders [yesterday] to discuss the 2011 results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for Pennsylvania public education students. Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said he believes that former Governor Rendell made significant changes through the investments made in public education during his eight years as governor. He further stated that the gains in education have been significant and are backed by the evidence. Sen. Costa gave an overview of the results for the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) — known as The Nation’s Report Card™ — noting that Pennsylvania was one of a few states with “significant progress”? from 2003 to 2011 in all grades and subjects. He also stated that score gaps between higher and lower income students narrowed as well. He closed by stating that Pennsylvania cannot continue to not make investments in education or change course. Sen. Costa questioned what test scores may look like under continued education budget cuts.

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Source: myPLS, The Eye Opener, Nov. 16, 2011.