In California, there has been some progress in state test scores despite lagging pre-Covid numbers. Last school year, there were incremental increases in English language arts, math, and science scores, according to state data released on Wednesday. The overall English language arts test scores saw a slight increase from 46.7% to 47% of the state’s students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards. In math and science, scores also edged up slightly, with 30.7% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards compared to 30.2% the previous year.
The Smarter Balanced tests, which are given to students in third through eighth grades and in 11th grade, are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). These tests also include the English Language Proficiency Assessment.
Last school year marked the third year since students returned to in-person learning following the Covid pandemic, which had caused significant declines in test scores. In 2019, over half of California students met or exceeded state standards in English language arts (51.7%) and math (37.1%).
Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, expressed encouragement over the scores, noting that gains were consistent across grades and for Latino and Black students. She attributed the improvements to efforts to accelerate learning and equity, such as investments in literacy and math, transitional kindergarten, and expanded learning time.
Students from low-income households made larger gains in all three subjects compared to students overall, which is a shift from the initial impact of the pandemic. Darling-Hammond credited the academic improvement to the billions of dollars in federal and state assistance directed to students with the most needs. She emphasized the importance of ongoing support for these students, particularly in high-poverty neighborhoods.
While California schools have received record levels of funding since the start of the pandemic, there are concerns about sustaining these gains. The last $12.5 billion in federal pandemic relief, a portion of which was allocated for learning recovery, had to be spent by last month. School districts are finding creative ways to continue funding positions and support programs that were previously funded by Covid dollars.
An analysis of third-grade reading scores in California revealed that performance has been flat after dropping sharply post-pandemic. Similar trends were observed in other states that take the Smarter Balanced assessments. However, some states like Mississippi, West Virginia, Louisiana, and South Carolina have seen increases in reading scores and are now ahead of where they were before the pandemic.
English learners in California had mixed results on the summative English Language Proficiency Assessment, with fewer students testing as proficient compared to the previous year. This could be attributed to changes in the demographics of English learners, according to experts. It has been suggested that districts review their English language development programs to enhance support for these students.
School districts across California, including Los Angeles Unified, Compton Unified, and Bay Area schools, saw varied results in test scores. Some districts reported gains in proficiency standards in English language arts and math, while others faced stagnation. Efforts are being made to improve literacy instruction and support student achievement in these districts.
In the Central Valley region, Tulare Joint Union High School District celebrated gains in test scores, particularly among students with disabilities and migrant students. The district saw improvements in English proficiency standards, with significant gains in both subjects. Educators emphasized the importance of quality instruction in achieving these positive outcomes.
Overall, the progress in state test scores reflects ongoing efforts to support student learning and address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education. While there have been improvements in some areas, there is a continued focus on equity, literacy, and math education to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed.