Portland Public Schools, Oregon Show Gains on Statewide Tests, But Scores Still Trail Pre-Pandemic Levels – KXL

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon’s latest statewide assessment results show signs of progress in student performance, with both Portland Public Schools and the state overall reporting increases in English language arts and math. Still, overall achievement levels remain below where they were before the pandemic, and education leaders say more work lies ahead.

The Oregon Department of Education on Thursday released the 2024-25 Oregon Statewide Assessment System scores. Statewide, participation rates improved across all subjects, and it was the first year since testing resumed in 2021-22 that scores rose in math, English language arts, and science across multiple grade levels. Oregon’s two largest districts, Portland and Salem-Keizer, posted gains in both math and ELA.

In Portland, district officials highlighted student growth in Grades 3–8, with ELA scores up 1.5 percentage points and math scores up 2 points compared to last year. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong called the results a reflection of the collective effort of “students, educators, and families across Portland.”

“These results show what happens when school communities believe in their children,” Armstrong said. “Our students are rising, our teachers are pushing forward every day, and our families are reinforcing learning at home.”

Governor Tina Kotek said the broader state results demonstrate both progress and persistent challenges. “Oregon’s students deserve a system that fosters success and delivers the results our students, families, and educators expect,” she said, urging continued focus on early literacy, math readiness, attendance, and equity.

District leaders in Portland echoed that message. Kristina Howard, the district’s Senior Chief of Academics, said the data “aligns directly to our Board goals” and noted new emphasis this year on attendance and keeping ninth-graders on track for graduation.

State education officials said targeted initiatives are already underway, including the Early Literacy Success Initiative, expanded summer learning opportunities, and the launch of Oregon’s new Education Accountability Act.

Despite recent gains, state officials acknowledged that participation remains below the federal requirement of 95 percent, particularly among 11th graders, and that large gaps persist among student groups. Still, the results showed increases for African American/Black students, Hispanic/Latino students, and students experiencing poverty.

Dr. Renard Adams, Portland’s Chief of Accountability and Equity, said the district is encouraged by the momentum but not yet satisfied. “We won’t be satisfied until we have 100% of students meeting standards—that’s the goal,” he said.