Across nearly every metric — grade level, test subject and both the gender and race of students — the average scores from this spring’s standardized exams dropped statewide from last year.
The lower results were largely expected after the 2019 testing window was marked by large-scale computer glitches and interruptions that came as Utah worked with a new testing company. Despite that, the state announced Thursday, it will move forward in using the scores from the RISE tests.
The dips were minor enough, said Darin Nielsen, assistant superintendent of student learning, that the results overall are still considered statistically valid.