New York’s latest math and English scores show more students reached proficiency—but it’s partly because the bar was lowered, according to the Times Union.
State officials adjusted the score needed to “pass,” especially for younger grades. For example, third graders needed just 57% on English tests this year, down from 60% in 2024. Similar changes boosted proficiency rates to 53% in English and 55% in math.
The state says this “equating” process helps balance test difficulty from year to year. School-by-school data won’t be released until November, but parents and teachers now get results earlier than in past years to help plan instruction.
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