Centennial SD highlights post-pandemic gains in state assessments; ELA growth singled out
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Summary
Superintendent and district presenter reported district-wide gains on the 2024-25 PSSA/Keystone exams — Centennial was the only Bucks County district to improve ELA — while noting mixed results in some Keystones and that science reporting is limited by recent field testing.
Dr. Lukubaugh and district assessment presenter Mr. Ruts told the Centennial School District Board on Nov. 25 that 2024-25 state assessment results show measurable post-pandemic improvement across multiple measures, and that Centennial was the only district in Bucks County to improve English language arts (ELA) scores in the latest release. Dr. Lukubaugh said, "of all the districts in Bucks County, only 1 district improved its scores in English language arts, and that is Centennial."
District figures presented by Mr. Ruts showed PSSA math (grades 3-8) at 44.7% proficient or advanced — a 4 percentage-point increase from 2024 and above the state average of 41.7%. Keystone Algebra I showed 37.1% proficient or advanced (a small year-over-year decline) compared with a state average of 31.5%. For ELA, grades 3-8 were 52.8% proficient or advanced (up about 2 points), above the state average of 49.9%. Keystone literature was 59.8% proficient or advanced (a roughly 3.2-point increase), above the statewide 51% mark.
Mr. Ruts cautioned that PSSA science reporting is limited this year because the administration of the science assessment changed grades and included field-testing; there were no reportable PSSA science growth scores for certain grades due to that transition. He said the biology Keystone included field-test items that were not counted in scores and that it will take multiple years for growth measures in the revised science sequence.
The presenter also reported subgroup growth: roughly 11 of 13 grade-level growth indicators for economically disadvantaged students met or exceeded the state standard (described as "85%" in the presentation), English language learners met or exceeded 13 of 13 indicators, and students with individualized education programs met or exceeded 12 of 13 indicators. The district noted mixed performance in some Keystones and emphasized continued work in ELA, including the district's third year of a new K'5 literacy program aligned to the science of reading and planned expansion in secondary English offerings.
Dr. Lukubaugh and Mr. Ruts framed the results as evidence of steady recovery and of systems the district has put in place to support growth. Mr. Ruts said a Hanover Research capstone report on K—2 math is expected in January and will inform next steps in math program development.
The board offered brief positive remarks thanking teachers and staff for the gains. No formal action was taken on the presentation itself; the report will inform upcoming curricular and budget work.
