Editorial: Tam district grades report shows what needs attention

The Tamalpais Union High School District’s focus on boosting its struggling students is paying off.

A report to the school board shows an increase in students’ academic achievement, particularly among English-language learners.

The report also shows there is a considerable need for the initiative.

The district’s largest campuses – Tamalpais, Redwood and Archie Williams – are among the state’s top-scoring schools. But they have students – mostly minority and English-language learners – who are falling behind, if not failing.

The school board, to its credit, has made this challenge a public-policy issue. It is a longstanding dilemma that has long deserved public attention.

While there was some progress, improved grades among English-language learners at Redwood, the report on this school year’s first semester still shows that many of those students’ report cards have Ds, Fs or “incomplete” grades.

Overall, among English-language learners, the number of those receiving lower marks dropped to an average of 20%, compared to 32% in the 2022-23 school year.

But the report also shows areas where the need for help remains significant.

Among Black students in the district, 48% had at least one D, F or incomplete on their report cards. Three years ago, the number was 35%.

They need and deserve focused attention. As they say, no child should be left behind.

The school board is right to make this challenge a public issue. Its continued attention is important in keeping it a priority and making progress. Progress that will make a difference in students’ lives.