Scottsdale students excel in AASA assessments ranking first in multiple grade levels

In a recent Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board meeting, educators and board members gathered to review the district's academic performance, focusing on assessment results from the previous spring. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they compared their students' achievements against those from neighboring districts.

The meeting highlighted the results of various standardized tests, including the Arizona's Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) for grades 3 through 8, the ACT Aspire for 9th graders, and the ACT for 11th graders. Notably, SUSD students excelled, ranking first in proficiency across all elementary grades in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, and consistently outperforming both Maricopa County and state averages.

The data revealed that SUSD students demonstrated a remarkable mastery of grade-level standards, particularly in ELA, where they surpassed comparison districts by at least 12 percentage points. In math, while the district also showed strong performance, there was a noted decline in scores from 5th to 8th grade, prompting a renewed focus on improving math achievement.

The board discussed the implications of these results, emphasizing the importance of in-person learning during the pandemic. Students who attended classes in person during the 2020-2021 school year outperformed their peers who opted for online learning, underscoring the long-term benefits of consistent, in-person education.

As the meeting progressed, the discussion shifted to growth metrics, with SUSD students showing significant improvement across all grade levels in both ELA and math. The board set ambitious goals for the upcoming year, aiming for a 3% increase in passing rates for 3rd-grade ELA and a similar target for math across middle school grades.

In addition to academic performance, the meeting touched on Advanced Placement (AP) exam results, which indicated a higher percentage of students scoring fours and fives, suggesting strong college readiness. The potential cost savings for students utilizing AP scores for college credit were also highlighted, amounting to over $6.6 million.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed optimism about the district's direction, acknowledging the solid achievements while recognizing the ongoing need for improvement, particularly in math. With a clear focus on enhancing student outcomes, SUSD is poised to continue its commitment to academic excellence in the coming year.