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 2018, 48% of students in Berks County scored as proficient or advanced on the PSSA Grade 3 Math exam, lower than in 2017 at 51%. In comparison, 31% of historically underperforming students in Berks County passed the exam, down slightly from 35% in 2017. Berks County's 2018 proficiency rate was below the statewide rate for both groups (which was 54% for all students and 38% for all students).

Among local school districts, Wilson had the highest 2018 proficiency rate for both groups with 74% for all students and 67% for historically underperforming students, followed by Brandywine Heights Area (71% for all, 53% for historically underperforming) and Hamburg (70% for all, 66% for historically underperforming). Reading had the lowest proficiency rate at 18% proficiency for all students and 17% for historically underperforming. Reading also had the highest share of historically underperforming students at 97% 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, despite Berks' share of historically underperforming students being lower than Lehigh (61%). Proficiency for historically underperforming students in comparison counties ranged from 37% (in Lebanon and Schuylkill) to 47% (in Montgomery), while proficiency for all students ranged from 51% (in Schuylkill) to 67% (in 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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