Alabama Students Show Reading Gains, Math Progress

Good news, ChumCity! Alabama students are showing some serious brainpower gains. Statewide test results from the 2024-25 school year reveal improvements in reading and hints of progress in math, according to the State Board of Education.

State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey is giving props to teachers and schools for their hard work. While celebrating the progress, he noted middle school math remains a challenge.

ACAP Results: What's the Deal?

The results come from the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP), given last spring. Students in grades two through eight took tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Science was tested in grades four, six, and eight. High school juniors also took the ACT with writing.

Reading Rocks!

Mackey told board members that reading skills got better in every grade tested. Fewer students scored in the lowest performance category, and more kids reached proficiency levels. Seems like targeted help and new teaching materials are paying off!

Math: A Mixed Bag

Math scores are showing some positive vibes, especially among the state's lower-performing students. But, overall gains are modest. Proficiency dips as students move to higher grades, especially in math.

Science Scores: Up and Down

Sixth- and eighth-grade students showed improvements in science. Mackey thinks better reading comprehension is helping in science, since it involves understanding complicated texts.

ACT: What's Next?

On the ACT, English Language Arts ticked up slightly, while math stayed put, and science dipped a bit. The state is now thinking about whether to keep using the ACT for high school accountability.

English Learners: Rising Numbers, Rising Success

Alabama's English learner (EL) population is growing. Teachers are faced with the challenge of teaching English while also teaching core subjects. The good news is, the percentage of English learners meeting exit criteria from language support programs improved slightly.

Keeping Things Stable

Mackey wants to keep the current assessment system stable. He noted that changing tests frequently makes it hard to measure long-term progress.

The Big Picture

Mackey called the overall picture "more positive than negative." While there's still work to be done, Alabama schools are heading in the right direction!