Newly released data from Minnesota’s Education Department shows that K-12 public school math and reading scores have stabilized but remain below pre-pandemic levels. Statewide reading scores this year showed 49.9 percent of students meeting or beating proficiency standards, the same as in 2023, while math scores remained flat at 45.5 percent. Performance in third grade reading and eighth grade math remained similar to previous years.
Attendance rates improved, with 75 percent of students attending school consistently in 2023, up from 70 percent the previous year. State education officials emphasized the importance of student attendance and achievement being linked and noted that lawmakers have increased K-12 spending to support schools.
The results also highlighted ongoing achievement gaps between white students and students of color, as well as between lower-income and higher-income households. Minnesota’s struggles with disparities have been a long-standing issue.
Officials expressed concern about the mental health of children during and after the pandemic, as nearly a third of students in the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey admitted to struggling with long-term mental health problems.
While cautioning about drawing conclusions, the data show that Minnesota is not alone in experiencing COVID-related drops in student performance. The state continues to track graduation rates, which have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) are low-stakes tests for students, which can impact scores. Families can opt out of the assessments, but participation rates in math and reading tests remained high in 2024. Overall, the data provide valuable insights for schools and families to support student success and guide planning for the future.
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