Minnesota students continue to lag in literacy and math proficiency, with standardized test score far below pre-pandemic levels, new state data shows.

The data released last week illustrates the lingering effects that remote learning and other pandemic-related interruptions have had on students attending the state’s public schools. Scores year over year were relatively flat, with math rising slightly while fewer students met reading benchmarks.

In Minnewaska Area Schools, however, things look much better.

Scores from Minnewaska Area Schools experienced upticks in all areas. Minnewaska Area Elementary has a 63 percent proficiency in reading, up three points from the 21-22 school year. Math scores at MAE are up seven points to 79 percent proficiency. The Minnewaska Middle School rose from 66 percent proficiency in reading from the prior year to 70 percent. Math rose one point to 62 percent. Junior High scores are 48 percent in reading and 58 percent in math, gaining six points in reading scores and 11 points in math. High school students gained three points for 52 percent proficiency in reading and 11 points to 31 percent for math. 

“The Board, Administration and our entire Laker staff are proud to see the investment of over $400,000 over the last 5-years as part of the MAS strategic roadmap with the investment in curriculum updates, specifically in reading, math and science is reaping benefits as evidenced in last year’s test scores,” stated Superintendent Chip Rankin. “The district has continued to invest in our staff through various means; a recent example was the Laker Boot Camp held before our traditional workshop week, which had over 80 staff support over 80 hours working to incorporate newly adopted effective teaching strategies, coupled with the investment in the continuous improvement cycle is the source for the continued improvement.”