Pascack Valley district reports modest gains on state tests, highlights math and science improvements

Pascack Valley Regional High School District officials reported modest gains across several standardized assessments for the 2024–25 school year at the board meeting, saying the district improved on measures in English language arts, math and science and continued to post strong AP and SAT results.

District presenters said the year’s results will inform classroom instruction and targeted interventions. They also noted the district follows state reporting guidance that withholds subgroup results when fewer than 10 students are in a category.

At a high level, the district reported 401 students tested in English language arts assessments and a 1 percentage‑point increase in the share scoring at the state’s top levels (levels 4 and 5) compared with 2023–24, a presenter said. Valerie Mesic, supervisor of English language arts, told the board the district will use benchmark data and a network of supports — for example a writing center and targeted grade‑level interventions — to address gaps such as the persistent difference between male and female achievement in ELA.

Math results reflected a year of transition…