North County student test scores falling 

Scores have decreased since 2018-2019 school year

– Data from the California Smarter Balanced Assessment System for the 2023-2024 school year have been released, showing an overall decrease in test scores from three North County school districts compared to pre-COVID scores. These assessments have two test sections of English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics.

The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD), Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD), and Templeton Unified School District (TUSD) all have reported lower test scores than those seen in the 2018-2019 school year. For the 2023-2024 school year, AUSD and TUSD both had a higher percentage of students that met or exceeded standards in ELA and mathematics compared to the average California state scores.

“The purpose of the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments is to assess student knowledge and skills for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics, as well as how much students have improved since the previous year. These measures help identify and address gaps in knowledge or skills early so students get the support they need for success in higher grades and for college and career readiness,” reads the CAASPP-ELPAC website.

Atascadero

English language

Test scores were reported for 2,143 students out of 2,243 enrolled.

Overall, 28.04% of students did not meet standards, 23.66% nearly met standards, 28% met standards, and 20.3% exceeded standards. 

Students in grade 3 had the highest percentage of standards not met at 30.66% while students in grade 4 had the lowest percentage at 24.75%. Grade 4 students had the highest percentage of exceeded standards at 29.7% and grade 8 had the lowest percentage at 14.74%.

In comparison:

• In California, 47.04% of students met or exceeded standards compared to 48.3% of AUSD students
• In California, 52.95% of students did not met or nearly met standards compared to 51.7% of AUSD students

 

Compared to 2018-2019, results for met or exceeded standards have decreased from 52% to 48.3%.

Mathematics

Test scores were reported for 2,159 students.

Overall, 37.7% did not meet standards, 25.75% nearly met standards, 19.92% met standards, and 16.63% exceeded standards. 

Students in grade 11 had the highest percentage of standards net met at 53.87% while students in grade 4 had the lowest percentage at 18.89%. Students in grade 5 had the highest percentage of exceeded standards at 25.35% and students in grade 11 had the lowest percentage at 6.85%.

In comparison:

• In California, 35.54% of students met or exceeded standards compared to 36.55% of AUSD students
• In California, 64.46% of students did not met or nearly met standards compared to 63.45% of AUSD students

 

Compared to 2018-2019, results for met or exceeded standards have decreased from 40.3% to 36.55%.

Paso Robles

English language

Test scores were reported for 3,035 students out of 3,157 enrolled.

Overall, 35.58% of students did not meet standards, 22.14% nearly met standards, 26.33% met standards, and 15.95% exceeded standards. 

Students in grade 7 had the highest percentage of standards not met at 40.88% while students in grade 11 had the lowest percentage at 31.31%. Grade 4 students had the highest percentage of exceeded standards at 22.14% and grade 7 had the lowest percentage at 12.01%.

In comparison:

• In California, 47.04% of students met or exceeded standards compared to 42.28% of PRJUSD students
• In California, 52.95% of students did not met or nearly met standards compared to 57.72% of PRJUSD students

 

Compared to 2018-2019, results for met or exceeded standards have decreased from 47.71% to 42.28%.

Mathematics

Test scores were reported for 3,087 students.

Overall, 44.02% did not meet standards, 27.21% nearly met standards, 16.49% met standards, and 12.28% exceeded standards. 

Students in grade 11 had the highest percentage of standards not met at 59.67% while students in grade 4 had the lowest percentage at 29.7%. Students in grade 6 had the highest percentage of exceeded standards at 17.33% and students in grade 11 had the lowest percentage at 4.79%.

In comparison:

• In California, 35.54% of students met or exceeded standards compared to 28.77% of PRJUSD students
• In California, 64.46% of students did not met or nearly met standards compared to 71.23% of PRJUSD students

 

Compared to 2018-2019, results for met or exceeded standards have decreased from 35.85% to 28.77%.

Mathematics test scores for the PRJUSD, AUSD, and TUSD for 2023-2024.

Templeton

English language

Test scores were reported for 1,125 students out of 1,183 enrolled.

Overall, 22.22% of students did not meet standards, 23.38% nearly met standards, 31.02% met standards, and 23.38% exceeded standards. 

Students in grade 5 had the highest percentage of standards not met at 26.75% while students in grade 11 had the lowest percentage at 13.85%. Grade 11 students had the highest percentage of exceeded standards at 32.47% and grade 6 had the lowest percentage at 17.04%.

In comparison:

• In California, 47.04% of students met or exceeded standards compared to 54.4% of TUSD students
• In California, 52.95% of students did not met or nearly met standards compared to 45.6% of TUSD students

 

Compared to 2018-2019, results for met or exceeded standards have decreased from 63.23% to 54.4%.

Mathematics

Test scores were reported for 1,116 students.

Overall, 31.18% did not meet standards, 27.06% nearly met standards, 25.18% met standards, and 16.58% exceeded standards. 

Students in grade 11 had the highest percentage of standards not met at 43.81% while students in grade 4 had the lowest percentage at 17.86%. Students in grade 6 had the highest percentage of exceeded standards at 24.63% and students in grade 5 had the lowest percentage at 7.05%.

In comparison:

• In California, 35.54% of students met or exceeded standards compared to 41.76% of TUSD students
• In California, 64.46% of students did not met or nearly met standards compared to 58.24% of TUSD students

 

Compared to 2018-2019, results for met or exceeded standards have decreased from 47.02% to 41.76%.

For more information on the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments, visit their website here.

-Report by Sadie Mae Mace