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PGCPS Benchmark 2 shows modest RELA and math gains, fewer zero scores on written items
Summary
District presenters said Benchmark 2 results show combined RELA gains (~4.7 percentage points) and math gains (~5.4 points) with improvements on constructed-response items and declines in students receiving zeros; Pearson writes and vets benchmark items in partnership with district staff.
At the April 20 Academic Achievement Committee meeting, district academic staff presented Benchmark 2 trend data showing year‑over‑year improvements in both RELA and mathematics across multiple grade levels.
Dr. Lori Maslin told the committee the district saw an approximate combined RELA improvement of 4.7 percentage points from last year’s Benchmark 2 to this year’s, with the most measurable gains in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10. Mathematics showed an approximately 5.4 percentage-point combined improvement, with notable gains in grades 3–5 and in higher-level courses such as geometry and Algebra II.
Presenters highlighted improvements on constructed‑response items (student‑typed answers), which give insight into students’ reasoning and metacognition. For example, the share of students receiving a zero on some RELA writing items declined from about 32% last year to roughly a quarter this year; similar decreases were reported on math reasoning and modeling rubrics. The team said these results reflect instructional emphasis on modeling and reasoning in classrooms.
The district described benchmark development as a collaboration with Pearson: contracted item writers and the district's division of testing align items to district curriculum and pacing. Presenters said benchmarks are standardized to preserve trend data but are psychometrically reviewed so invalid items can be replaced.
Board members pressed for cohort and domain-level detail, and district staff agreed to provide additional cohort analyses requested during the meeting. No formal actions were taken on benchmark policy at this session.
