Scores on New York’s statewide assessment tests showed a positive trend during the 2024-2025 school year, with notable improvements in both math and English language arts (ELA). Statewide figures revealed that 57% of students achieved proficiency in math, a rise of 3 percentage points compared to the previous year. Additionally, ELA proficiency increased significantly, with 53% of students meeting the standard, marking a 7 percentage point increase.
The New York State Education Department published the assessment test scores on Thursday, covering students in grades three through eight who take these tests annually. Despite the improvements, the statewide testing has faced its share of criticism from parents and educators questioning the overall effectiveness and potential drawbacks associated with the assessments.
In the prior years, particularly in 2020, no tests were conducted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and in 2021, participation was optional. Notably, the data for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 assessments includes combined scores for grades six through eight, reflecting results from both the standard state assessments and any Regents exams that students in those grades may have taken. The Education Department has compiled a comprehensive database, available for public access, showcasing proficiency levels across school districts in New York since 2017.
This continuous tracking not only highlights academic trends but also aims to provide transparency in educational outcomes across the state. As such, parents, educators, and stakeholders can utilize this information for better insights into student performance and district-level educational strategies. The upward trajectory in proficiency rates is an encouraging sign for New York’s educational landscape, suggesting positive developments in student learning and support systems.