Scottsdale Unified reports strong test results overall, sets math-focused goals after pandemic-era learning shifts

Scottsdale Unified School District staff on Tuesday presented a comprehensive assessment-and-accountability report for the 2023–24 school year showing that district students outperformed county and state averages on multiple statewide tests, while also identifying areas for improvement — particularly in middle-school math growth.

Dr. Bauchner delivered the presentation and said Scottsdale students ranked first among comparison districts in elementary English Language Arts and were among the top performers in math at several grade levels. The district’s 3rd‑through‑8th graders took the Arizona Academic Standards Assessment (AASA); 9th graders took the ACT Aspire and 11th graders took the ACT. The district also reported results from the AZ Sci tests in grades 5, 8 and 11 and results of Advanced Placement exams.

Key findings presented

- English/ELA and math comparisons: Staff reported Scottsdale students ranked first in elementary ELA and ranked first in math for grades 3, 4, 5 and 7; the district placed in the top three among nine comparison districts in most grade levels shown by staff. District presenters said Scottsdale’s proficiency rates exceeded Maricopa County and Arizona averages across grade levels, with larger margins in math.

- Cohort and modality trends: Staff analyzed cohorts across years and reported some grade‑by‑grade increases and decreases (for example gains from 3rd to 4th and 5th to 6th in ELA, decreases in some other cohorts). An analysis of students’ learning modality…