The “honesty gap” refers to the discrepancy between how a state and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) define proficiency. Prior to the pandemic, many states took action to reduce this gap, raising the bar in both fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math to more closely align with NAEP. In the aftermath of the pandemic, however, an increasing number of states are making changes to state assessments and lowering passing or “cut” scores, which can obscure learning loss. While adjusting standards and proficiency targets is a routine process for states seeking to provide a more accurate reflection of student knowledge and the measurement of progress by state departments of education, recent shifts are widening the gap in parents’ understanding of how well-prepared their children are for future grades and postsecondary opportunities.

Last fall, Tracie Potts joined the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR) during a session that explored the gap between parents’ understanding and the reality of their children’s academic progress. The session featured Learning Heroes’ report, B-Flation: How Good Grades Can Sideline Parents, which included data from a Gallup poll of parents showing that nearly 90% of parents believe their child is at or above grade level in reading and math, while NAEP data presents a much different picture. According to the report, parents are more likely to take action on behalf of their child if they are aware that the child is behind or not meeting proficiency. This finding emphasizes the importance of ensuring that grades and state assessments provide parents with a clear understanding of their child’s progress and proficiency levels.

On October 29, from 3–4:30 p.m. ET, we’ll explore developments across the states and delve deeper into both educator and parent perspectives on shifting standards. National leaders will facilitate a conversation around the B-Flation report findings, focusing on the importance of state standards aligning with the NAEP, trends in shifting standards, and parents’ understanding of these changes. The discussion aims to highlight actions that can ensure students continue to accelerate their learning in the wake of COVID, rather than lowering the bar that determines their ratings.

This event promises to be a timely and critical conversation.