Oregon students haven’t recovered from pandemic, 2024 scores reveal
Pandemic-induced learning loss is still plaguing students in Oregon, according to the latest test scores.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released its 2024 assessment results, revealing…
Pandemic-induced learning loss is still plaguing students in Oregon, according to the latest test scores.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released its 2024 assessment results, revealing less than half of students scored proficient in subjects across grades.
For example, only 38% of 4th graders, 26% of 8th graders and 20% of 11th graders were proficient in math. The state’s pre-COVID scores were roughly 10 points higher.
Racial minorities and other disadvantaged groups scored significantly worse.
Among 11th graders, black students were only 8% proficient and Hispanics 9% in math. Less than 5% of English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) achieved grade-level scores.
In English, the results were similarly dismal.
Proficiency across the grades averaged 40-45% – a drop of 20 points from 2019, when, for example, 66% of 11th graders were proficient readers.
Black, Hispanic, and other racial minorities again scored lower than white and Asian students. And only 14% of IEP students were proficient, along with less than 5% of ELLs.
Oregon was one of the most restrictive states during the pandemic, shutting down for a total of 15 months.
Restrictive policies such as these resulted in learning loss nationwide.
“While it’s encouraging to see the signs of improvement in mathematics, we need to continue our focus on maintaining high expectations, providing opportunities for our students to succeed, and supporting our schools and educators in the hard work ahead,” said Charlene Williams, director of the ODE.
“I’m not satisfied with this year’s numbers,” Gov. Tina Kotek admitted in the same press release. “Every child deserves a high-quality, culturally responsive public education to be set up for success.
“I am focused on working with education partners across the whole system to identify evidence-based solutions, increase high-quality learning opportunities, and strengthen student wellbeing.”
