Math and Reading Improve for Oregon Students but Gains Fall Short of Pre-Pandemic Marks

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) 2024-25 Oregon Statewide Assessment System scores released yesterday show signs of progress in Math and English Language Arts (ELA) and Science, but remain below pre-pandemic levels.

2024-25 Oregon K-12 Test Scores Show Some Progress

For the first time since testing resumed in the 2021-22 school year following the global pandemic, ODE’s assessment indicates that participation rates improved across all subjects – most notably at the high school level, with gains in Math, English, and Science across several grades, but overall achievement remains below pre-pandemic levels.

The persistent opportunity gaps highlight the need for continued focus and sustained support for Oregon’s students and educators.

The complete 2024-25 Oregon Statewide Assessment System results are available on the ODE website.

The ODE’s Assessment also shows that:

• Participation rates for each subject area are three to five percentage points higher than in 2021-22. Although more students are taking the assessments, the current participation rate is still far below the federal requirement of 95%.
• 11th-grade results suggest that participation remains below the levels needed to support the intended uses.
• Portland and Salem-Keizer, Oregon’s two largest school districts, saw improvements in both their Math and ELA scores compared to the previous year.
• Proficiency in math and English Language Arts increased in most grade levels.
• African American/Black students, Hispanic/Latino students, and Students Experiencing Poverty increased their overall scores in both Math and ELA.
• Sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders increased their overall scores in both Math and ELA.

Oregon students in Grades 3–8 and 11 take statewide summative tests in English Language Arts and Math (students in Grades 5, 8, and 11 also take a Science test) annually to assess the effectiveness of the state’s education system in supporting student learning.

These tests help build a more complete and meaningful picture of strengths and areas for growth in the education system.

Governor Tina Kotek said that Oregon’s students deserve a system that fosters success and delivers results. But, she said, “Today’s results are a sobering reminder that we must stay the course to make sure every student, no matter where they live or learn, has the support to succeed.”