DOE Says Some Improvement in School Assessment Results, but Literacy Emergency Remains
Delaware student assessment performance test results show some improvement – but that there is still much work needed across reading, writing and mathematics. Delaware Department of Education officials say a literacy emergency remains in the First State. Statewide – English proficiency in grades 3 through 8 increased 1 point from 2024 to 41% and math increased 1 point to 34%. SAT reading proficiency among 11th graders increased 2 points to 47% while math remained at 18%. There were bright spots – including the Cape Henlopen School District where investments in high-quality instructional materials and more have fueled steady gains. Secretary of Education, Cindy Marten, says that where educators have the right tools and training, students are making progress, but no one should be satisfied with these scores.
Additional information from DOE:
Across all three counties, English proficiency in grades 3-8 rose to 41% (up 1 point from 2024), and math to 34% (up 1 point). SAT reading proficiency among 11th graders climbed to 47% (up 2 points), while math held at 18%. Notable bright spots include New Castle Elementary in Colonial School District and the Cape Henlopen School District, where investments in high-quality instructional materials, LETRS training, and strong professional learning communities have fueled steady gains. Multilingual learners in Cape scored 21% proficient in ELA (state average: 15%), and low-income students scored 26% proficient in math (state average: 17%).
“No one should be satisfied with these scores,” said Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. “But where educators have the right tools and training, students are making real progress. We will keep scaling those strategies statewide until every child can read, write, and calculate at grade level.”
Since taking office in January 2025, the Meyer Administration and the Department of Education have prioritized a series of significant reforms in response to the literacy emergency. Targeted investments to support instruction are central to the effort. This includes developing professional learning communities for educators, year-long educator residencies, new professional development opportunities, strategic staffing models, early talent development initiatives, and improved recruitment efforts.
“These scores must improve,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “As our administration’s investments begin to reach classrooms this school year, every student must receive a world-class education, and every educator must have the tools to deliver the educational outcomes every Delaware family deserves.”
This school year, the state will be providing teachers with the opportunity to select literacy supports for their students and will be launching Bridge to Practice Grants, which further support district/charter efforts to build systems for literacy as well as strategic staffing models that create opportunities for increased collaboration and student achievement. This is along with an $8 million direct investment in expanding early literacy supports contained within the FY2026 state budget.
The complete 2024-2025 standardized testing results are available on the Delaware Open Data Portal.