New teaching strategies are driving gains in some Delaware schools, particularly in literacy instruction. Yet the latest student assessment performance test results show that there is still much work to do across reading, writing, and mathematics.

Across all three counties, English proficiency in grades 3-8 rose to 41% (up 1 point from 2024), and math to 34% (up 1 point). SAT reading proficiency among 11th graders climbed to 47% (up 2 points), while math held at 18%. Notable bright spots include New Castle Elementary in Colonial School District and the Cape Henlopen School District, where investments in high-quality instructional materials, LETRS training, and strong professional learning communities have fueled steady gains. Multilingual learners in Cape scored 21% proficient in ELA (state average: 15%), and low-income students scored 26% proficient in math (state average: 17%).

“No one should be satisfied with these scores,” said Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. “But where educators have the right tools and training, students are making real progress. We will keep scaling those strategies statewide until every child can read, write, and calculate at grade level.”

Since taking office in January 2025, the Meyer Administration and the Department of Education have prioritized a series of significant reforms in response to the literacy emergency. Targeted investments to support instruction are central to the effort. This includes developing professional learning communities for educators, year-long educator residencies, new professional development opportunities, strategic staffing models, early talent development initiatives, and improved recruitment efforts.

“These scores must improve,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “As our administration’s investments begin to reach classrooms this school year, every student must receive a world-class education, and every educator must have the tools to deliver the educational outcomes every Delaware family deserves.”

This school year, the state will be providing teachers with the opportunity to select literacy supports for their students and will be launching Bridge to Practice Grants, which further support district/charter efforts to build systems for literacy as well as strategic staffing models that create opportunities for increased collaboration and student achievement. This is along with an $8 million direct investment in expanding early literacy supports contained within the FY2026 state budget.

The complete 2024-2025 standardized testing results are available on the Delaware Open Data Portal.

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