What does this measure?

The percentage of students considered proficient or advanced on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Grade 3 Math exam, reported for both the total student population and those students defined as "historically underperforming." Pennsylvania defines historically underperforming groups as students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and English language learners.

Why is this important?

Development of early math skills is an important part of elementary schooling and a foundation for continuing progress in not only math, but also science and related subjects. Proficiency among historically underperforming students can show whether districts and education policymakers have made progress in closing the achievement gap between traditionally underserved groups and other students.

How is our county performing?

In 2019, 52% of students in Berks County scored as proficient or advanced on the PSSA Grade 3 Math exam, higher than in 2018 at 48%. In comparison, 35% of historically underperforming students in Berks County passed the exam, up from 31% in 2018. Berks County's 2019 proficiency rate was below the statewide rate for both groups (which was 56% for all students and 39% for all students).

Among local school districts, Twin Valley had the highest 2019 proficiency rate for both groups with 76% for all students and 64% for historically underperforming students, followed by Brandywine Heights Area (73% for all, 62% for historically underperforming) and Hamburg (70% for all, 58% for historically underperforming). Reading had the lowest proficiency rate at 19% proficiency for all students and for historically underperforming. Reading also had the highest share of historically underperforming students at 98% of test takers.

Berks County's proficiency rate for both historically underperforming students and its students as a whole was lower than all the comparison counties. Proficiency for historically underperforming students in comparison counties ranged from 41% (in Lebanon) to 47% (in Montgomery), while proficiency for all students ranged from 54% (in Schuylkill) to 68% (in Chester and Montgomery).

Notes about the data

As assessments vary among states, it is not possible to include comparable data for the nation or other areas in this indicator. Data are from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

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