Miami-Dade Public Schools: We welcome hard truths, not half-truths | Opinion
In a recent op-ed published in the Miami Herald, an incomplete narrative suggested that nearly six out of 10 students in Miami-Dade Public Schools (M-DCPS) are “falling behind” in reading.
This framing overlooks a critical piece of the data: the category of students who are “on grade level” was completely excluded from this calculation.
Ignoring this group paints an inaccurate picture and fails to recognize the achievements of tens of thousands of students and the dedication of the educators who support them.
When you add this group, 60% of M-DCPS students in grades 3–10 are reading at or above grade level and making steady progress.
As important as proficiency snapshots are, learning gains — the year-to-year progress students make — provide an important picture.
M-DCPS serves a community where many children arrive from other countries, often entering school at varying literacy levels and in need of English language support. Our district has consistently accelerated learning for these students, helping them catch up and thrive.
M-DCPS is proud to be one of the top-performing large urban school districts in the nation. On state assessments, our district consistently outperforms Florida as a whole, and at the national level, M-DCPS continues to perform strongly relative to other large urban districts across the nation in NAEP, ranking number one in Grade 4 math and number two in Grade 4 and Grade 8 reading.
In fact, M-DCPS was recently recognized as an Academically High-Performing School District for 2024-2025 — one of only 13 districts out of Florida’s 67 — highlighting that the progress our students are making is real and measurable.
On state assessments, Grade 3 literacy among M-DCPS students, a critical milestone for lifelong academic success, has improved steadily. Over the last three years, the number of students reading “on grade level” in Grade 3 has increased by seven percentage points.
Today, 60% of all third-graders are reading at or above grade level, a key indicator that our early interventions and instructional strategies are working. These outcomes show progress that is measurable, significant and grounded in effective teaching practices.
A cornerstone of this growth is our sense of urgency around early literacy. That is why we have invested in extensive interventions, expanded tutoring programs and enhanced professional development for our teachers. We welcome partnerships with organizations, but these initiatives are most effective when they supplement the daily work of educators already achieving remarkable results in the classroom.
Education is a shared ecosystem. Families, schools, community organizations and businesses all have vital roles to play. We welcome partners as co-educators, shaping educational journeys, mentoring students and helping create career pathways.
Students don’t just need jobs waiting for them; they need industries actively engaged in shaping their learning today.
Oversimplified narratives that reduce schools and students to soundbites can discourage families, erode trust and undervalue the hard work of teachers and school leaders.
True, accountability recognizes progress, celebrates gains and identifies areas for growth without exaggerating challenges. We agree that accountability is essential. But accountability must be fair, contextual and based on accurate data.
In March 2025, I wrote an op-ed in the Miami Herald highlighting the shared responsibility of educating students and the importance of an interconnected approach to learning in our community. I invited the entire community — parents, educators, business leaders, industry partners and nonprofit and philanthropic organizations — to provide input and help shape the next steps for education in Miami-Dade. I continue to stand by that invitation. Together, we can ensure our schools remain relevant, effective and valuable for the communities they serve.
Miami’s future will be written in its classrooms and beyond. We welcome hard truths, not half-truths. The story of Miami-Dade Public Schools is one of resilience, progress and innovation. We are rising to the challenges before us and together we will continue to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Jose L. Dotres is the superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools.