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(Des Moines, IA) -- The latest Iowa student test scores show a mixed picture. The Iowa Department of Education says the latest test scores for English & language arts show students in grades 3-8 have returned to pre-pandemic levels. The exception is among 11th graders, who saw a four-percent decline. Math scores increased in grades 3-7, while 8th and 10th graders saw a one-percentage point decrease. Ninth graders had a two-percentage point decline. Eleventh graders saw a five-percentage drop. Scores in science were above pre-pandemic levels.
The latest scores are from the spring 2022 assessment from the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for Iowa public school students in grades 3-11.
“This data reflects Iowa educators’ commitment to addressing the individual needs of their students and how the use of evidence-based supports can help students grow and flourish,” said Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo. “We are moving in the right direction in many areas, but there is still work to be done. This crucial data will help schools with their improvement planning, target relief funds to address high-need areas and recapture the growth Iowa students experienced prior to the pandemic.”
The ISASP is given to students each spring. The Iowa Department of Education says the assessments reflect what’s being taught in Iowa classrooms and how students are progressing toward grade-level expectations.