Oregon Students Show Continued Progress in English Language Arts, Math, and Science​

NEWS RELEASE
Date: September 24, 2026
Media Contact: Liz Merah

Statewide proficiency increased in ELA, math, and science, with math and science proficiency increasing at every tested grade level. 

(Salem, OR) - Today, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released results from the 2025-26 Oregon Statewide Assessments, showing continued progress in student achievement across Oregon. Statewide proficiency increased by 1.4 percentage points in math, 0.8 percentage points in English language arts (ELA), and 0.6 percentage points in science. The results mark the second consecutive year of statewide increases in proficiency in all three subject areas. 

“These results give us reason to be encouraged, but also reinforce how much more there is to accomplish,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education. “Our responsibility is to understand what is working, support educators and districts in implementing those practices well, and stay focused on sustained progress for every student.”

Building on What Works

Across ELA and math, ODE is focused on two key levers for improving instructional practice and student achievement: strong implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and targeted educator and student supports. 

HQIM provide educators with a strong foundation to ensure equitable access to grade-level teaching and learning. ODE is strengthening implementation of HQIM by adjusting the annual curriculum adoption calendar to provide more time for implementation planning and educator support, as well as leading professional learning through Statewide HQIM Summits and regional pilots with Education Service Districts. 

ODE is also directly supporting educators and students through targeted investments and partnerships, including new literacy standards for educator preparation programs, free science of reading professional learning modules, and additional professional learning and course pilots designed to strengthen instruction.

These efforts build on Oregon’s broader investments in literacy and extended learning, including the Early Literacy Success Initiative, the federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant, the High-Dosage Tutoring Supplement Grant, and the State Summer Learning Grant.

Additional Highlights

• While overall participation continues to increase, the participation by different student groups and different grade levels continues to fluctuate. 
• Oregon’s three largest school districts (Portland, Beaverton, and Salem-Keizer) increased both ELA and math scores compared to the previous year. 
• Proficiency increased for all grade levels in math and science and for all but eighth grade in ELA.
• Nearly every student group increased proficiency in at least one subject area. Proficiency levels for Black/African American students increased by 1.5 percentage points in ELA and 1.8 percentage points in math. For Hispanic/Latino students, proficiency levels were up 1.1 percentage points in ELA and 1.4 percentage points in math.

About State Summative Tests

Each year, Oregon students in grades 3-8 and 11 take statewide summative tests in ELA and math (students in grades 5, 8, and 11 also take a science test). These tests help show how well our education systems are supporting student learning. The 2025-26 results include students enrolled on May 1, 2026.

Test results are one source of information about student learning and are most useful when considered alongside other measures and sources of information about students and their experiences. Oregon’s statewide assessment system continues to strive for balance by including a focus on culturally responsive practices, which requires a broad range of data sources in addition to academic assessments. For example, results from the Student Education Equity Development Survey help add valuable context to state test scores, building a more complete and meaningful picture of strengths and areas for growth in our education system.

ODE has updated resources to help educators, students, and families understand and use assessment information. The Students and Families Assessment Resources webpage helps students and families understand state testing, interpret student score reports, and learn more about district and school performance. In addition, the Assessment Professional Learning webpage provides resources that support effective assessment practices, results interpretation, and continuous improvement.

The 2025-26 Oregon Statewide Assessment System results are also available by going to the Oregon Online Report Card.

###