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School Test Scores Up, But Just A Little

October 23, 2026

California K-12 students showed modest improvements in standardized test scores across most categories last year, with math proficiency rising to 38. 5%, English language arts to 49. 3%, and science to 36%, though the gains represent a slowdown from earlier post-pandemic recovery.

Who is affected

  • California's 5.7 million K-12 students
  • School districts facing declining enrollment and reduced revenue
  • Students with disabilities (850,822 students, representing a 25% increase over ten years)
  • English learners (experiencing a 30% decline over the past decade)
  • White and Asian students (whose scores remain below 2019 pre-pandemic levels)
  • Students at Highlands charter school and California Innovative Career Academy
  • Parents and the public receiving consolidated data
  • Policymakers analyzing educational trends

What action is being taken

  • The state is releasing enrollment, test score, and California School Dashboard data together for the first time
  • Highlands charter school is operating under new leadership, reducing its enrollment, and seeking to improve outcomes
  • School districts are communicating with parents and the public using the consolidated data

Why it matters

  • The slow but steady improvement in test scores indicates California is continuing to recover from pandemic-related educational disruptions, though significant work remains as scores still lag pre-pandemic levels for some student groups. The continuing enrollment decline directly impacts school funding since the state bases funding on daily attendance, creating financial pressure on districts. The persistent chronic absenteeism rate of 18%, significantly higher than the pre-pandemic 12%, suggests ongoing challenges with student engagement that could undermine academic progress and require sustained intervention.

What's next

  • Sweeping state reforms will be implemented in coming years, including transitional kindergarten, dyslexia screening, literacy coaches for elementary teachers, and phonics-based reading curriculum
  • English language arts scores are predicted to rise as these reforms take effect

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

School Test Scores Up, But Just A Little