The Pennsylvania Department of Education recently announced the results from the 2023-24 school year state-level assessments, which includes the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) and Keystone Exams, and three key figures improved: statewide grades in most subjects, student attendance and four-year graduation rates.
Compared to the 2022-23 scores, this year’s crop, released about a month ago, was mostly a notable improvement. Math proficiency increased from 38.3% to 40.2%. Science increased from 58.9% to 59.2% in 2024. English proficiency decreased from 54.5% to 53.9%. Another notable area of improvement was seen in English Learner Growth and Attainment, increasing from 29% in 2022-23 to 31.7% in 2023-24. Additionally, Regular Attendance Growth and Attainment increased from 73.9% in 2022-23 to 78.1% in 2023-24.
The methods being employed in schools around the state are paying dividends, then- Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin said in a news release back in the fall.
“Pennsylvania’s schools are using new, innovative approaches to help their students learn, increasing assessment flexibility for both educators and learners alike. I am confident that with each passing year, participation and achievement will continue to improve and give students new ways to chart their own course and succeed,” he adds.
This comes after Shapiro began the implementation of a plan aimed at overhauling Pennsylvania’s state assessment system, particularly by moving the PSSA and Keystone tests online.
More information on the tests and full scores are available through the department’s website at pa.gov/agencies/education.html.
