The Los Angeles Unified School District recently held a press conference to celebrate the academic achievements of its students on the 2024 California Smarter Balanced test scores. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho was pleased with the growth shown in both English Language Arts (ELA) and math across all grade levels, demographics, and Priority Schools.
In the past academic year, the district saw an increase in the number of students meeting or exceeding state standards in ELA, jumping from 41% to over 43%. Math scores also improved, with 32.83% of students meeting or exceeding standards, up from 30.5% the previous year. Carvalho expressed his optimism about the recovery of subgroups, especially those historically performing at lower levels.
Black and Latino students in LAUSD outperformed their peers statewide, as did students with disabilities and English learners. However, as the district faces the end of one-time Covid relief funding, school officials are advocating for more support from federal and state legislators to maintain this level of performance.
Students with disabilities showed a slight increase in scores, but there is still room for improvement. Homeless students maintained their performance, while foster youth saw a small decline in ELA scores. Migrant students and English learners showed significant improvements in both ELA and math, reflecting the district’s commitment to supporting these populations.
Charter schools within LAUSD outperformed non-charters in both ELA and math. While science scores in the district improved, they still lag behind other subject areas, indicating a need for continued focus on this area.
At the local level, principals and educators emphasized the importance of tracking student data, providing enrichment classes and electives, and offering support beyond the regular school day. Student board member Anely Cortez Lopez commended the resilience and dedication of the student body in overcoming academic and personal challenges.
While there have been notable improvements in test scores, there are still voices within the community, like Evelyn Aleman, who believe more investments are needed to support student achievement, especially among vulnerable populations. As LAUSD navigates the challenges of academic recovery post-Covid relief, the district remains committed to providing a supportive learning environment for all students.