With new standards, Minnesota students’ science test scores plunge

Minnesota science test scores plunge

When Minnesota’s statewide math and reading test scores were released at the end of August, the 2025 results were largely unchanged from the previous year. The same can’t be said for science scores.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) posted the 2025 statewide science assessment scores on Wednesday, and the results were drastically lower than past years — albeit with new standards.

RELATED: Minnesota student test scores steady, slight progress in closing achievement gaps

According to the data, just 26.2% of Minnesota high schoolers, eighth graders and fifth graders achieved test results that are considered “proficient.” For comparison, roughly 40% of students met that standard from 2021 through 2024 with the old tests.

In addition to barely more than a quarter of students at least meeting statewide science standards, only 5.4% of students exceeded the standards while 46.1% fell into the “beginning” group, which used to be categorized as failing to meet standards even partially. Last year’s results on the old test showed nearly 7% of students exceeding standards and just over 34% failing to meet standards even partially.

Education officials say the new tests, which were created and implemented to meet new state standards approved in 2021, and what they measure are “substantially different” than the old statewide tests.

Because of that, state officials were expecting lower results this year and even warned teachers and districts.

“As you review results, keep in mind that each district’s academic standards transition may affect Science MCA-IV/Alt MCA scores during the first few years of administration,” a memo from MDE and shared by the Minnesota Science Teachers Association last month said.

“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 guidance added.

GuidanceMDEScienceResultsDownload

In a statement, an MDE spokesperson said the 2025 results should be seen as “a new baseline for measuring future progress,” adding that Minnesota has seen similar “score resets” when standards were updated in other academic areas.

While MDE says the tests are so different that results shouldn’t be compared to those of previous years, the numbers are likely to raise some concerns.

National data from the U.S. Department of Education showed drops in science, math and reading in many of the sample sections of students tested, so the issues aren’t only in Minnesota.

RELATED: Nation’s Report Card shows declining test scores for many students across the country

MDE pointed to Minnesota students excelling in other science exams, with fourth grade students scoring above the national average in NAEP assessments. Last year, high school students achieved passing scores in 68.9% of AP tests across biology, chemistry, environmental science and physics.

“Our students are on track and outperforming nationwide averages, and our system is willing to challenge itself to ensure Minnesota remains a national leader,” MDE said. “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.”

Click here to see how students in your school district performed.
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