Data Shows Challenge Program Has Helped Lessen the Achievement Gap

Currently, NSD junior high students can self-select one or more Challenge classes by simply checking a box upon enrollment. The self-select nature of Challenge allows highly- motivated students from a wide variety of academic and socio-economic backgrounds access to rigorous classes that will prepare them for advanced AP and IB courses in high school. The self-select Challenge Program is about giving kids choices that set them up for success. Eliminating this program would do an immense disservice to the full range of students in our schools. Because any student can choose to take advantage of the Challenge program, it is a model of equity and fairness. 

In fact, there is strong evidence that this model helps close the achievement gap.  Data analyzed from NSD,  indicates that the current Challenge Program increases opportunity for academic achievement for children from under-served communities, particularly those with free and reduced lunches.  This data shows that since Challenge was instituted, there has been a 57% increase in students taking Algebra 1 before 9th grade, and a 117% increase in students taking Algebra 1 from the free and reduced lunch population.  Additional data from NSD indicates that students having the ability to choose challenge classes in Middle School or Jr High gives them the confidence and knowledge to take college prep classes in high school, particularly students from the free and reduced lunch population.   There is also evidence that choice and opportunity are critical for addressing achievement gaps because choice enables students to personalize an educational pathway that works for them and their circumstances. The current Challenge Program enables this by allowing students to choose which classes they want accelerated learning and in which classes they want to learn the material at a more moderate rate to find their strengths at their own pace.  All of these class choices are strong academic experiences aligned with state and national standards.  Removing choice and making all classes the same but “more challenging” does not provide the choice and opportunity which enables students to find their own path to achievement.  Evidence from our own school district indicates that the current model positions more students from all backgrounds for success.