The percentage of Sweet Home School District students who meet or exceed state standards in English, math and science has risen over the past three years, according to Oregon Statewide Assessment System scores reported last week.
The Oregon Department of Education released the 2024-25 scores last week, showing some areas of progress statewide in student achievement alongside continued challenges as schools continue to recover from impacts of the pandemic. Participation rates improved across all subjects – most notably at the high school level – and gains were seen in Math, English Language Arts (ELA), and Science across several grades.
In Sweet Home, 35.5% of students in all grades, which include students in grades 3 through 8 and high school juniors, either tested at acceptable grade levels or exceeded them in English Language Arts.
In math, 27.9% of students in all grades, which include students in grades 3 through 8 and high school juniors, tested at or above grade level in math, and 23.6% did so in science, in which tests are administered in the fifth, eighth and 11th grades.
Sweet Home’s district numbers include Sweet Home Charter School.
In Central Linn, 35.7% of students in all grades tested at or above grade level in English, 26.7% in math, and 24.2% did so in science. By far, Central Linn’s 11th graders scored the highest in English, with 73.2 testing at a proficiency level. The district-wide numbers for this year represent small increases from 2022-23 and 2023-24, though districtwide math scores increased more than 5% between 2022-23 and 2024-25. Central Linn’s scores have fluctuated as much as 5% 10% over the past three years, but the number of students taking the tests is much smaller than larger districts, so individual students’ performances can have a greater impact on the final numbers.
In Lebanon, 40.5% of students in all grades tested at or above grade level in English, 16.1% in math, and 22.8% did so in science. Lebanon’s districtwide most recent scores represent either small decreases or are relatively unchanged over the past three years.
Overall, 39.1% of students in Lebanon schools tested at a proficiency level in English Language Arts in 2023-24, continuing a steady decline from 2017-18 when English proficiency was 49.5%. Seventh-graders scored the highest in English, at 46.1% proficiency.
Lebanon’s district numbers include Sand Ridge Charter School.
According to ODE, this is the first year that overall scores increased in all three subjects since testing resumed in the 2021-22 school year following the global pandemic. However, overall achievement remains below pre-pandemic levels, and persistent opportunity gaps highlight the need for continued focus and sustained support for Oregon’s students and educators.
“Today’s results are a sobering reminder that we must stay the course to make sure every student, no matter where they live or learn, has the support to succeed,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “Oregon’s students deserve a system that fosters success and delivers the results our students, families, and educators expect.”
“Oregon’s most recent test results show both progress and persistent challenges. We know recovery from the disruptions of the past few years will take time, but we cannot afford to wait to act. The new accountability system established through SB 141 positions us to accelerate student learning by focusing on what matters most: early literacy, math readiness, attendance, and meaningful supports for districts. This is about building a system of shared responsibility and continuous improvement so that every student, in every community, has the opportunity to succeed.”
ODE has several targeted initiatives are already under way, including statewide investments in early literacy best practices (through the Early Literacy Success Initiative) and summer learning programs with a focus on literacy.
Additional areas of focus include continued and increased investment in birth through grade 12 literacy, expanded access to extended learning opportunities, implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and the launch of Oregon’s new Education Accountability Act. As these intentional supports expand, Oregon expects to see lasting gains for students.
ODE reported that statewide participation rates for each subject area are three to five percentage points higher than 2021-22, but still far below the federal requirement of 95% participation.
Proficiency increased in Math in almost all grade levels and in English Language Arts in
The 2024-25 Oregon Statewide Assessment System results are available on the ODE website at www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Pages/Assessment-Group-Reports.aspx#ELA. English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science results are on separate tabs.