The Minnesota Department of Education has released the 2025 statewide science assessment results, revealing a significant drop in student proficiency. Officials attribute the lower scores to the implementation of new, more rigorous academic standards and a redesigned test, establishing what they describe as a new baseline for future performance.
While statewide scores for math and reading remained largely stable compared to the previous year, the science results show a marked change. The new assessment, aligned with standards approved in 2021, was expected to produce lower initial outcomes as both students and educators adapt to the updated curriculum.
Key Takeaways
- Just 26.2% of Minnesota students in tested grades achieved proficiency on the new 2025 science assessment.
- This is a notable decrease from the approximately 40% proficiency rate recorded on the previous test between 2021 and 2024.
- The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) states the new test is substantially different and the results should be viewed as a "new baseline."
- Officials had anticipated the drop and communicated this expectation to school districts prior to the test administration.
Understanding the New Proficiency Numbers
The latest data, released on Wednesday, shows that just over a quarter of students in fifth grade, eighth grade, and high school met or exceeded state science standards. This figure stands in contrast to the roughly 40% of students who met the same benchmark in recent years under the old testing system.
A deeper look into the results reveals a shift in performance categories. Only 5.4% of students exceeded the new standards, a slight decrease from nearly 7% in the previous year's test. More significantly, 46.1% of students were placed in the "beginning" category, which indicates they did not meet the standards. This is an increase from the 34% who were in the equivalent category last year.
2025 Science Score Breakdown
- Exceeded Standards: 5.4%
- Met Standards: 20.8%
- Partially Met Standards: 27.7%
- Did Not Meet Standards (Beginning): 46.1%
A 'Score Reset' Was Expected
Education officials emphasize that the 2025 results cannot be directly compared to previous years. The new tests were designed to align with updated state science standards adopted in 2021, making both the content and the assessment method fundamentally different.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) had prepared school districts for this outcome. In a memo distributed by the Minnesota Science Teachers Association, the department advised educators that the transition would likely impact scores during the initial years of implementation.
"Fully implementing new standards and assessments takes time, and it may be several years before the benefits are seen as educators and students adjust to the shifts in curriculum and instruction," the MDE guidance stated.
Establishing a New Baseline
An MDE spokesperson reinforced this message, explaining that the 2025 scores should be interpreted as a starting point. This allows the state to measure student progress against the new, more challenging standards moving forward.
The department noted that similar "score resets" have occurred in the past when academic standards were updated for other subjects, such as math and reading. This process of raising academic expectations often leads to an initial dip in proficiency rates before scores begin to climb again as the system adjusts.
Why New Standards Were Introduced
The 2021 science standards were developed to provide a more in-depth and modern approach to science education in Minnesota. The goal was to move beyond simple memorization and encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on application of scientific concepts, better preparing students for college and careers in STEM fields.
National Context and Other Performance Metrics
While the Minnesota-specific results are noteworthy, they are part of a broader national trend. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Education, often referred to as the Nation's Report Card, has shown declines in science, math, and reading scores for students in many parts of the country. This suggests that the challenges in academic performance are not unique to Minnesota.
Despite the lower scores on the new state test, the MDE pointed to other areas where Minnesota students continue to perform well in science. These alternative metrics provide a more complete picture of science education in the state.
For example, Minnesota's fourth-grade students scored above the national average on the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science assessments. This indicates a strong foundational knowledge among younger students when measured against their peers nationwide.
Furthermore, high school students have shown success in advanced science coursework. In the previous academic year, Minnesota students achieved passing scores on 68.9% of Advanced Placement (AP) exams across four key science subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Physics
Looking Ahead: An Investment in the Future
State education leaders remain optimistic about the long-term impact of the new standards. They view the more challenging curriculum and assessments as a necessary step to ensure Minnesota remains a national leader in education and prepares its students for a competitive global economy.
The MDE expressed confidence that future assessments will show progress as teachers and students become more familiar with the new expectations. The department framed the current results not as a failure, but as a reflection of a system challenging itself to improve.
"Raising the bar is an investment in Minnesota’s students, economy, and future, and we remain confident in the progress we’ll see in future assessments," an MDE spokesperson said. "Our students are on track and outperforming nationwide averages, and our system is willing to challenge itself to ensure Minnesota remains a national leader."
As districts continue to integrate the new standards into their daily instruction, the state will monitor performance to track growth from this new 2025 baseline. The focus now shifts from the initial scores to the long-term trend of student achievement under the more rigorous academic framework.
