Math proficiency remains subpar, reading takes another hit

Minnesota student proficiency in reading and mathematics continues to fall short, according to state test results released today (Aug. 25) by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

Fewer than half of students statewide are performing at grade-level in math (44.6 percent) and just under 50 percent of students can’t read at grade level.

The 2022 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) results add to the long-term trend of mediocre academic performance, declining test scores, and persistent achievement gaps that existed pre-COVID — despite the state continually spending more on education — and that were exacerbated by school closures.

MDE launched a new initiative in 2021 called COMPASS — Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success — to “support student learning recovery,” and has identified 371 schools and 15 entire school districts for “coordinated support and training” over the next three years, reports KSTP.

According to the state, the highest level of comprehensive support will be given to 46 schools that are working to improve outcomes across multiple measures, 103 high schools with graduation rates below 67%, as well as 48 schools with one or more student groups below performance thresholds for multiple measures in 2018 and 2022. Officials say extra targeted support will be given to 58 schools which may need to focus on a single student group and another 52 schools focusing on credit and dropout recovery.

Meanwhile, an additional 64 schools identified in 2018 and not 2022 will continue to get support.

MDE has not yet released 2022 graduation data, but previous years reported show the state’s graduation rate maintaining a fairly consistent upward trend over the years, even while high school math and reading proficiency have not consistently improved. Only 36.3 percent of Minnesota 11th graders demonstrated grade-level proficiency in math this past spring.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education