New York State releases preliminary proficiency rates for grades 3-8 ELA, math, science exams

Preliminary results from the New York State Education Department show that just over half of students in grades 3-8 scored proficient on state English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics exams for the 2024-25 school year. According to data released to schools and districts, proficiency rates were 53% for ELA and 55% for math. In science, 44% of students in grades 5 and 8 achieved proficiency.

The Department stated that these preliminary figures are intended to help parents understand their children’s assessment results and assist educators in shaping instructional decisions and individualized learning plans for the upcoming academic year. The data will remain preliminary until local districts complete a review and verification process, which ends September 3, 2025. Adjustments may be made following this period as statewide quality checks are conducted.

“These annual assessments, required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), are designed to measure how well students are mastering the New York State learning standards that guide classroom instruction and are a valuable tool to help ensure students have the supports needed to succeed. As detailed in NYSED’s Statewide Assessment Strategy, the annual grade-level tests are intended to be one measure used to assess student learning and one tool of many used by educators to ensure students are getting the services and supports they need to prepare for career, college, and civic readiness,” according to the Department.

After all data is certified by schools and districts during the verification window, NYSED plans to update assessment reports accordingly. “Our goal is to provide teachers, administrators, and parents with as much information as possible about their students’ performance and make it available as quickly as possible to improve classroom instruction. The public release of all final state assessment data is anticipated for early November,” said the Department.

More details about these assessments can be found on NYSED’s State Assessment website.