California's latest state test results show modest gains in English, math and science, but scores still trail prepandemic 2019 benchmarks six years after disruptions began. English proficiency rose half a percentage point to 49.3%, math climbed 1.1 points to 38.4%, and science jumped 3.3 points to 36%. At current rates, English scores wouldn't surpass 2019 levels for roughly four more years, while math is on pace to catch up next year.
Black students posted larger-than-average gains across all three subjects, though proficiency rates remain low (33.7% English, 21.5% math, 20.5% science) with gaps of 28 to 49 points versus white and Asian peers. Chronic absenteeism improved slightly to 18.3%, still well above prepandemic rates. Los Angeles Unified and Compton Unified outperformed state averages across most student groups, including notable gains among Black and Latino students. Gov. Gavin Newsom touted the results as validation of state investments like free school meals and community schools, while outgoing superintendent Tony Thurmond and state board president Linda Darling-Hammond called for faster progress.
