Reading and Math Trends

This study used growth curve modeling to investigate trends in reading and math proficiency in each state over a four- to six-year period for grades 3–8. It found that:

-       The school-level percentage of students who scored proficient in reading and math increased in Florida, Mississippi, and North Carolina; the percentage also increased for most racial/ethnic and economic subgroups.

-       Achievement gaps decreased for most racial/ethnic and economic subgroups across grades, subjects, and states.

-       Proficiency achievement gaps remained large across grades, subjects, and states despite significant decreases.

Herrera, S., Zhou, C., & Petscher, Y. (2017). Examining school-level reading and math proficiency trends and changes in achievement gaps for grades 3–8 in Florida, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Regional Educational Laboratory Southeast. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/projects/project.asp?projectID=465

Report Offers National Update on Trends in Public Libraries

The FY 2014 report provides a national overview of trends and a snapshot of a variety of indicators for the year. In particular, it demonstrates how public libraries are faring financially since the last recession (December 2007 to June 2009) and how public library services and resources have evolved over the decade. “[These reports] extend IMLS’s most complete dataset on the trends, opportunities, and resources of public libraries in communities across the nation— helping libraries, researchers, and administrators make data-driven decisions,” says Benjamin Sweezy, IMLS Deputy Director of Digital and Information Strategy.

Key findings:

-       Public libraries’ collections are adapting to changing technology, including e-books, audio materials, and downloadable video materials. The number of e-books also increased by a huge percentage in the past 10 years.

-       Although there is a decline in the use of traditional library services, attendance at public programs is increasing overall.

-       In response to the interest, public libraries offered 4.5 million programs, marking a significant increase over the past 10 years.

-       Over the past 10 years, public-access internet computers increased by nearly half.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (2017). Public libraries in the United States fiscal year 2014. Washington, DC: The Institute.

Report Offers National Update on Trends in Public Libraries

The FY 2014 report provides a national overview of trends and a snapshot of a variety of indicators for the year. In particular, it demonstrates how public libraries are faring financially since the last recession (December 2007 to June 2009) and how public library services and resources have evolved over the decade. “[These reports] extend IMLS’s most complete dataset on the trends, opportunities, and resources of public libraries in communities across the nation— helping libraries, researchers, and administrators make data-driven decisions,” says Benjamin Sweezy, IMLS Deputy Director of Digital and Information Strategy.

Key findings:

-       Public libraries’ collections are adapting to changing technology, including e-books, audio materials, and downloadable video materials. The number of e-books also increased by a huge percentage in the past 10 years.

-       Although there is a decline in the use of traditional library services, attendance at public programs is increasing overall.

-       In response to the interest, public libraries offered 4.5 million programs, marking a significant increase over the past 10 years.

-       Over the past 10 years, public-access internet computers increased by nearly half.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (2017). Public libraries in the United States fiscal year 2014. Washington, DC: The Institute.