Massachusetts: 2024 Assessment Results

ELA declines; math similar to 2023

Overview

Here at the 2024 State Assessment Data Substack, we’ll be releasing these posts as states release their data (and we clean it). To keep it brief, every post will have three sets of graphs: 1) math and ELA test scores for grades 3-8 over time, 2) math and ELA scores by race/ethnicity, and 3) outcomes by economic status, when possible. 

Our intention here is to give you the big picture: where are the state scores going, and how does that differ by group.  These graphs are made with Zelma.ai, and if you want to explore up through the 2023 data yourself, you can do that here. All state 2024 data available will be published in December. You can read more about Zelma in our post here.

Today: Massachusetts.

State Assessment Background

Student outcome data for Massachusetts come from the Next Generation MCAS Achievement results. The results below reflect student proficiency levels in grades 3–8 in ELA and math between 2018-2024. 

Overall Trends

Compared to 2023, overall proficiency rates in 2024 for students in grades 3–8 declined in ELA, while remaining similar in math. Students have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels of proficiency in either subject. Press coverage has noted that while many states have made progress in the post-pandemic era by helping higher-poverty school districts regain losses, Massachusetts has not seen similar progress.

• ELA: Proficiency rates declined from approximately 42% to 41% between 2023 and 2024, compared to 52% in 2019. 

• Math: Proficiency rates remained at approximately 41% in 2024 (comparable to last year), while falling short of 49% in 2019. 

Overall ELA & Math Results, Grades 3–8

Trends by Race and Ethnicity

ELA Results by Race/Ethnicity, Grades 3–8

Math Results by Race/Ethnicity, Grades 3–8

Trends by Economic Status

ELA Results by Economic Status, Grades 3–8

Math Results by Economic Status, Grades 3–8