State policy should confront the pervasive low expectations that the outcomes reveal.
State policies meaningfully affect recruitment and retention.
Build a system that supports each student rather than a mythical average one.
The data point up a need for services that extend beyond the school year.
State boards can watch policies for red flags that hold students back.
State leaders should ramp up supports for EL students and their families.
Progress is possible. Back to normal is not good enough.
It takes a whole community to lift up policies and practices that support equity and end those that don't.