Idaho students lost some academic ground during the coronavirus pandemic, with standardized testing scores dropping in math and language arts compared to 2019.
The Idaho Department of Education released the Idaho Standardized Achievement Test, or ISAT, scores on Tuesday. The test — required under federal rules — is typically administered to students in 3rd through 8th grades and 10th grade each spring. But the 2020 test was canceled after the federal requirement was temporarily lifted as schools closed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
For the 2021 round of testing, students showed the biggest decline in math skills, with 39.6% of students testing at “proficient” or “advanced” levels this spring, compared to 44.4% two years ago. English language arts skills has a smaller drop, with just over 54% of students scoring as proficient or advanced compared to 55% in 2019.
Last week, Idaho Gov. Brad Little said he was directing $30 million in emergency funds to expand COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools. He urged residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, calling the vaccine the state’s “main defense in ensuring the new school year is entirely in-person.” (AP)
