Washington state released new data showing slight improvements in student performance in both reading and math, but scores remain significantly below where they were before the COVID‑19 pandemic. The information was shared this week by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Using the Smarter Balanced Assessment for 8th‑ and 10th‑graders, OSPI reported that 71% of students met or exceeded grade level in English Language Arts, while only 63% reached that benchmark in math. Compared with 11 other states using the same test, Washington students rank in the upper half. Still, gaps persist among certain student groups.
Superintendent Chris Reykdal emphasized that efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have helped close the achievement gap in Washington. “There are student populations that need additional investment,” Reykdal said, warning that federal pressure to curtail DEI measures could jeopardize progress. He noted that inclusion and family involvement—core DEI principles—are under attack in some quarters, but remain relevant to improving outcomes in Washington.
State Representative Michael Keaton (R‑Puyallup) disagreed with the focus on DEI. He pointed to Washington’s per‑student spending of nearly $19,000 and questioned why scores aren’t higher, suggesting that too many social and political issues distract from core academic goals. “States like Idaho, Wyoming, especially Mississippi, that spend a lot less on public education than we do, their scores are rocketing up,” he argued.
Aaron Withe of the Freedom Foundation echoed that view, saying the classroom environment needs to prioritize learning and reduce political content. He expressed concern for the large number of middle students who, in his view, are being neglected—caught between high‑performers and those needing more help.
Superintendent Reykdal plans to request an additional $10 million in the 2026 legislative session to bolster educational services, especially for underperforming groups. Officials say while improvement is moving in the right direction, catching up to pre‑pandemic standards will require sustained investment and focus.
