California Test Scores Show Students Need More Reading, Math Support

Most California students did not pass statewide reading, writing and math tests given in spring 2023. There was a slight improvement in math scores, but English language arts performance stagnated.

Since California started using Smarter Balanced assessments in 2015, the majority of students have only met state standards once — in 2019, and even then, only in English language arts.

The pandemic erased years of progress in reading, writing and math skills.

Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said during a presentation of the district’s results Tuesday that the data should not be used to judge students, schools, or teachers.

“[The data] is to be analyzed to improve performance,” Carvalho said. “To ask the question: What else must we do? With what groups of students? At what pace? At what rate?”

Small math gains

Nearly 35% of California students met or exceeded the math standard compared to 33.4% the year prior.

Locally, LAUSD students passed the test at a higher rate than last year — by 2 percentage points — but the overall rate of students meeting the standard (30%) still falls behind the state.

Carvalho said one strategy to support students is by measuring their strengths and weaknesses and then tailoring lessons to their individual needs. Over the summer, LAUSD held language arts and math-focused professional development for teachers and recently hired more than 1,100 educators trained to intervene when students are struggling; they can work with kids individually or in small groups.

“We're still reeling from the pandemic,” Carvalho said. “But where we are is with a solid foundation for math instruction that's now proven to be effective.”

Reading scores stagnate

Across the state English language arts scores stagnated — and in some cases dropped — with 46.7% of students meeting or exceeding the standards for reading and writing compared to 47.1% the previous year.

Some districts are re-focusing their literacy instruction on foundational skills like phonics and sounding out words to help get students back on track.

Disparities persist

The state’s data show more students are facing hardships that can make it more challenging to learn. More than half of California students — 63% — are socioeconomically disadvantaged, up from 60% the year before.

 “Our vulnerable students continue to face those largest gaps in literacy and numeracy,” LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez said after a presentation of the district’s test scores Tuesday.

Statewide, a lower rate of Alaska Native, American Indian, Black, Latinx, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students meet state standards compared to students overall. There are also wide disparities for English language learners, students with disabilities, and foster and unhoused youth.

More students attending school

The state also released data on chronic absenteeism, which revealed that students are showing up at school more consistently.

The rate of students who missed 10% or more of school decreased to 24.9% from 30% in the 2021-2022 school year. And, on average, students missed two fewer days last year compared to the year before.