The middle school English examination serves as a checkpoint for high school preparation. Performance on this exam can help predict high school success in English.

Passing rates were higher for Asian and white students in the region (55% and 48%, respectively) than for Hispanic and African American students (20% and 17% respectively) in 2019. Regional rates were lower than state rates for each demographic, with particular disparities for Hispanic and African American students (gaps of 19 and 20 points from state rates).

The passing rates for Rochester school district Hispanic and African American students were both at 9%. Statewide, 39% of Hispanic and 37% of African American students passed this test.

We note that a substantial number of students did not take state exams in 2019 due to parent concerns about testing in schools. In our region in 2019, 15% of 3rd-8th graders in the region opted not to take the English exam. In 2019, Spencerport School District had the highest opt-out rate, at 39%, while the Rochester City School District had the lowest rate at 5%. The large percentage of students not taking the exam may have a significant effect on overall achievement levels and should therefore give caution to interpreting these results.

There are a variety of factors believed to contribute to disparities in test scores and other measures of student achievement. School systems in the United States are highly segregated, and students of color disproportionately attend schools with high proportions of low-income students who may not have benefited from early learning opportunities at the same rate as other students. Schools also have different levels of resources ranging from qualified/experienced teachers to advanced courses to facilities and technology, and schools with large Black and Latino populations often have lower levels. In addition, teachers across all school systems tend to be disproportionately white, and teaching practices and curriculum may not be culturally relevant to students of color.

Changes in the state's testing program over the last decade impact the comparability of test results year to year. In 2013, the state shifted to Common Core Standards and Common Core-based tests, making prior years' results non-comparable. The Common Core was adopted in most states to better prepare students for success beyond high school by emphasizing problem solving, understanding and synthesis, comprehension of nonfiction text, and other higher-order thinking skills. Due to the state's new two-session test design and performance standards, the 2018 grades 3-8 results cannot be compared with prior-year results, though results from 2013 to 2017 are provided for context.

Subgroup data is not published for small groups (fewer than six students) in order to protect the confidentiality of students.

Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the third quarter.