The State Education Department has released preliminary data for the 2024-25 Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics assessments, as well as Grades 5 and 8 Science exams. The results have been shared with schools and districts to inform parents, guide instructional decisions, and help create individualized learning plans for students in the upcoming school year.
According to the department, proficiency rates are at 53% for ELA and 55% for math among students in Grades 3-8. For science, the proficiency rate is 44% for both Grade 5 and Grade 8 students. These figures are based on initial results that will undergo a local district review and verification process until September 3, 2025. Data may change after this period once statewide quality checks are completed.
The annual assessments are required under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). They measure student mastery of New York State learning standards, which shape classroom instruction. The department states these tests are one tool among many used by educators to assess student learning and ensure appropriate supports are provided to prepare students for future success.
“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.”
Once schools complete their verification process, updated assessment reports will reflect certified data from each district. The final statewide assessment results will be publicly released in early November.
“Following the verification period, NYSED will update assessment reports based on the data certified by schools and districts. 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.”
Further details about these exams can be found on the Department’s State Assessment website.
