CPS elementary students’ IAR test scores show partial gains in reading and math — and also disparities

While releasing new standardized test scores Tuesday, Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez celebrated elementary students’ gains in reading and math scores that, according to the district, constitute a partial rebound from learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our investments in classroom resources, support and instruction have yielded the biggest year-over-year gains since 2016,” Martinez said in a district news release. His statement credited an improvement in average Illinois Assessment of Readiness scores to the hiring of additional staff and the expansion of curriculum, student supports and teacher development in the previous school year...