Interpreting NAEP results is always an exercise in creativity, but how on Earth can you explain Los Angeles? We just learned that it's one of just two districts in the NAEP Trial Urban District Assessment program that posted gains in reading in 4th and 8th grades from 2002 to 2009. (Atlanta is the other.) Is this a delayed ?Roy Romer? effect? An indication that Romer's intense focus on scientifically-based reading paid off? Or some sort of weird cosmic fluke?
The Broad Foundation is based in Los Angeles, yet has a famously touchy relationship with the district. But when searching for next year's recipient of? the Broad Prize, it might consider staying close to home.
-Mike Petrilli
