California schools face growing concerns as students struggle with basic skills: What we know so far

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California schools reveal troubling scores
Imagine sending your child to school every day, only to learn that many students are still struggling with basic reading and math. New results from California schools show that fewer than half of tested students meet state English standards, raising fresh concerns about classroom learning. The latest findings come after years of recovery efforts, leaving families wondering why academic progress remains so slow despite continued investments. Depositphotos
California schools see math struggles
Math remains a major challenge for California schools, with only 38.4% of tested students meeting or exceeding state standards in spring 2026. Although results improved slightly from the previous year, the numbers still concern educators. Building strong math skills matters because students use them throughout school, everyday life, and future careers. mickeym/Depositphotos
California schools face reading gaps
Reading is one of the first skills students need to succeed across different subjects. Yet California schools reported that just 49.3% of tested students met or exceeded English language arts standards in 2026, leaving slightly more than half below expectations. The results highlight concerns about reading comprehension and writing skills. Students who struggle with these abilities may also find other classroom assignments increasingly difficult. Depositphotos
Progress remains below earlier results
California students have made some academic progress, but the latest scores still fall short of their pre-COVID-19 levels. In 2019, approximately 50.9% met English standards, while 39.7% reached math proficiency. The 2026 figures remain below both benchmarks. This suggests that recovering lost academic ground has taken longer than many families expected, even as schools continue working to strengthen classroom instruction. Little-known fact: California did not administer its regular statewide Smarter Balanced tests in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depositphotos
Billions spent with limited improvement
According to an October 2026 analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California, state, local, and federal funding for California’s K–12 public schools totaled approximately $142.8 billion during the 2025–26 school year. Despite significant education funding, statewide English and math proficiency rates rose by only 0.5 and 1.1 percentage points, respectively, in 2026. These results raise questions about how effectively schools are using resources to help students improve, although test scores alone cannot determine the impact of education spending. Fun fact: California’s 2025-26 school funding formula included approximately $8.4 billion in supplemental funding for students with greater educational needs.

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Low-income students face bigger hurdles
Not every student faces the same challenges in California classrooms. According to the latest results, 61.1% of economically disadvantaged students fell below English standards, while approximately 72.6% scored below the state’s math proficiency standard. These figures show how family income remains closely connected to academic performance. Students facing financial difficulties may need additional educational resources, making targeted classroom support especially important for helping them build stronger skills over time. Chinnapong/Depositphotos
A stubborn achievement gap continues
California’s 2026 results show a gap of approximately 29 percentage points in English language arts and 31 percentage points in math between economically disadvantaged students and those from more financially secure households. Closing that gap requires more than improving statewide averages. Schools must identify students who need additional help and provide effective instruction, tutoring, and academic support before learning difficulties become harder to address. Depositphotos
English learners face new challenges
California uses the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or ELPAC, to measure how students learning English are progressing. These assessments help schools identify language development needs and determine when students qualify for reclassification as fluent English proficient. California changed its English learner reclassification requirements on September 27, 2026. Under Assembly Bill 2555, students generally qualify for reclassification by reaching the required level on the state’s English language proficiency assessment, replacing the previous system that considered four separate criteria. Depositphotos
Former English learners show promise
Students who have been reclassified as fluent English proficient can demonstrate strong academic performance. Their progress is an important measure of educational outcomes, although comparisons with other student groups should account for differences in language background, academic experience, and eligibility for reclassification. Their performance shows that many students can achieve strong academic results once they develop English proficiency. It also highlights why language instruction and continued classroom support matter. Depositphotos
National exams reveal more concerns
The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress found that California’s fourth- and eighth-grade math scores were below national averages. Reading scores were also numerically lower, but the differences were not statistically significant. The national assessment provides an additional measure of student performance alongside California’s own tests. These comparisons offer another way to measure educational outcomes beyond state testing.

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They also help researchers identify where California schools are improving and where additional attention remains necessary. Depositphotos
Classroom distractions raise questions
Smartphones, digital devices, and artificial intelligence tools are prompting questions about how technology affects classroom attention and learning habits. Their effects can depend on how students use them, and California’s statewide test results do not establish whether these technologies contributed to lower academic performance. However, technology alone cannot explain California’s academic results. Student performance reflects many factors, including attendance, teaching methods, learning environments, and access to educational support both inside and outside the classroom. Depositphotos
New reading reforms offer hope
California’s literacy initiatives include expanded reading support, teacher coaching, and early screening for reading difficulties. The state is working toward screening students in kindergarten through second grade so schools can identify potential reading problems sooner. These changes aim to address problems before children fall further behind. However, improving reading achievement statewide will require consistent implementation, trained educators, and enough time to determine whether the new approaches actually work. For another California education update tied to early learning, classroom access, and student support, see why free transitional kindergarten is expanding across the state. Depositphotos
What comes next for California schools
Although California students made gains in both subjects in 2026, approximately 50.7% of those tested in English language arts and 61.6% in mathematics did not meet state standards. These results show why improving foundational academic skills remains a challenge. The coming years will show whether recent reforms can produce stronger results. Families will be watching for improvements that help students build lasting academic confidence and skills. For another California education update tied to school funding, state budgets, and student support, see why Newsom’s enacted budget is moving a new funding plan forward. What would it take for California schools to help more students master reading and math before they graduate? Share your thoughts and drop a comment. This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing. Read More From This Brand:

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The post California schools face growing concerns as students struggle with basic skills appeared first on When In Your State.