Science proficiency not improving among local schools

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

CHENEY – Academic performance has notably declined in several Washington school districts since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with Cheney, Medical Lake, and Liberty among those impacted, according to a recent report from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The 2023-2024 school year report highlights a drop in science proficiency, though all three districts continue to score above state averages. Despite this, each district experienced a decline in science scores compared to the previous year. Liberty and Medical Lake districts had previously shown gains that nearly matched or surpassed pre-pandemic levels, but these gains slipped last year.

The improvements that have been observed reflect gains in foundational knowledge rather than in standard-level performance alone, the report states. Students in grades 3-8 and grade 10 must take science proficiency tests every spring.

In Cheney School District, science scores remained above state averages but dropped from 66.1% in 2022-23 to 64.8% last year. The state average also fell slightly, from 62.4% to 62.0%.

However, three Cheney schools, including Sunset Elementary, Cheney Middle, and Cheney High, scored below the state average, with scores of 59.6%, 61.2%, and 55.5%, respectively.

Cheney Superintendent Ben Ferney commented that test scores represent only a single snapshot of student performance, noting that about 5% of students were 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.

Medical Lake and Liberty school districts continued to perform above state averages but also recorded dips from the prior year. Medical Lake's science proficiency dropped from a high of 81.8% in 2022-23 to 66.8% last year, with only the high school falling below the state average at 59.4%.

Liberty School District, with scores also above the state average, saw a decrease from 83.5% to 69.7%, with high school students scoring 75.6% and combined junior high and elementary scores at 67.0%. Liberty Superintendent Jerrad Jeske attributed the district's success to the dedication of its teachers and staff. "We have an incredible team of teachers and staff committed to each student's success," Jeske said.

Statewide, science proficiency has continued to decline since the pandemic. In 2019, 65.8% of students met grade-level standards in math, which dropped to 62.0% last year. The lowest proficiency levels were recorded during the 2020-21 school year, when rates fell to 60.2%, highlighting the pandemic's impact on education. Furthermore, the Washington Student Achievement Council reported a decline in college enrollment, with only 51% of high school graduates continuing to college, down from 60% pre-pandemic.

Medical Lake School District has not yet been reached for comment.