Math proficiency also lacking among students

Editor's Note: This is the second in a three-part series on consistent grade-level aptitude for area schools, as measured by the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction recently released report card.

CHENEY – Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, academic performance has significantly declined in several Washington school districts, including Cheney, Medical Lake and Liberty, according to the latest annual report from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The report highlights substantial drops in English, math, and science proficiency during the 2023-2024 school year.

Despite these setbacks, math skills have been steadily improving in the post-pandemic years across all three districts. The improvements reflect a stronger grasp of foundational grade-level knowledge and skills, rather than just a rise in students' standard level performance, according to the report. Students in grades 3-8 and 10 are required to take mathematics proficiency assessments each spring.

In the Cheney School District, math scores remain below the state average of 62.7%.

But scores have improved from 55.4% in 2021 to 58.6% last year.

Betz, Snowdon and Windsor elementary schools have consistently exceeded the state standard, with scores in the 70% range since the pandemic.

However, Cheney Middle School and Sunset Elementary have seen declines in the past three years, with scores dropping from 59.0% to 52.4% and from 48.0% to 45.4%, respectively.

Cheney Superintendent Ben Ferney said the scores provide only a snapshot of student performance on the day of testing, with around 5% of students absent or unable to take the exam.

"The real measure of progress comes from regular benchmarks, end-of-unit assessments and daily work," Ferney said. According to the school report, Cheney's graduation rate stands at 92.1%.

Meanwhile, the Medical Lake and Liberty school districts have performed better, with students consistently scoring above state standards.

Medical Lake has maintained above-average math scores for the past six years and saw an increase from 65.3% to 73.6% last year. Similarly, Liberty has shown steady improvement, growing from 70.6% to 71.2% post-pandemic.

Liberty Superintendent Jerrad Jeske attributed the district's success to the dedication of teachers and staff. He said, "Several factors have contributed to Liberty's success. We have an incredible team of teachers and staff who are committed to each student's success."

Jeske explained, "We've also implemented a strong Response to Intervention model, including a What-I-Need time structure in grades K-5, ensuring that every student receives either enrichment of intervention based on their individual needs."

However, across Washington, math proficiency continues to decline.

In 2019, 72.6% of students met grade-level standards in math, but that figure dropped to 62.7% last year. The lowest point was recorded during the 2020-21 school year, when proficiency rates fell to 55.4%, underscoring the widespread impact of the pandemic on education.

"Before the pandemic, 60% of high school students in Washington went on to college. Now that number has dropped to 51%," reported the Washington Student Achievement Council.

We've reached out for comment, but Medical Lake School District haven't returned our invitation to talked about their numbers.