Early development of mathematics concepts provides the basis for mastery of problem solving and computation skills.

In 2019, 49% of third-graders in our region passed the math exam (met or exceeded state standards), lower than the statewide rate of 55%. Rates were highest in Wyoming County, in which 56% of students tested passed, and lowest in Yates County (38%). In Rochester, the 2019 passing rate for students attending traditional public schools was just 22%, compared to 57% for Rochester charter school students. About 36% of all 3rd graders in Rochester public schools that took the exam attended charter schools.

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, 16% of 3rd-8th graders in the region opted not to take the Math exam. In 2019, Spencerport School District had the highest opt-out rate, at 38%, 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.

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