Statement from Jennie Williamson, State Director of EdTrust in Massachusetts Regarding the Release of the 2025 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment (MCAS) Results

BOSTON — “The 2025 MCAS results are grim — but not surprising. The warning signs clear for some time now, from declining MCAS scores to troubling national NAEP trends, but ‘not surprising’ does not make these outcomes any less alarming. These recent results expose the deep and urgent challenges facing the Commonwealth’s entire education system.

“As much as our state likes to see itself as an educational leader, the reality is that we are sliding back to the 1990s, when a diploma didn’t guarantee the mastery of basic skills. Today, too many students across the Commonwealth are falling behind in reading, writing, and math at pivotal moments in their education. Milestones once seen as guarantees can no longer be assured.

“This is not an isolated problem. Every community must do better. The vast majority of districts are performing below pre-pandemic levels, proving that piecemeal, local fixes are insufficient. Massachusetts needs bold, statewide strategies — and a unified, high-quality standard — to clearly identify which students are ready to move forward and which need immediate, targeted support.”

Notable 2025 MCAS Results:

• Third Grade Reading Scores Stagnate: Third grade English Language Arts (ELA) scores remained flat, with 42% of students meeting/exceeding expectations, while significant gaps across demographic groups persisted — and in some cases, widened.
• More Students “Not Meeting Expectations:” While the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations remained the same, the share of students scoring in the “not meeting expectations” category increased across subjects and grade levels.
• Stark Racial and Economic Disparities Persist: Despite their limitless potential, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, Black and Latino students, and English learners are far less likely to meet or exceed expectations on all tests. For example, across all tested subjects and grades, only 17–31% of Latino students met or exceeded expectations, compared to about half of white students.
• Nearly All Districts Are Struggling to Recover: The picture is no brighter when examining district performance. Only 13 districts — serving a total of 1.8% of Massachusetts students — have met or exceeded pre-pandemic levels in both English and math.

“Even in an age of AI and advanced technology, students must be able to read, write, and do basic math independently. Without these foundational skills, they cannot think critically, solve problems, or control their own future. No technology can replace the basics. We must act — and we must act now.”

EdTrust in Massachusetts calls on state and district leaders to take decisive action, prioritizing evidence-based strategies and targeted support for students with the greatest needs:

1. Require Evidence-based Literacy Instruction in Schools: The Governor’s “Literacy Launch” initiative is a promising first step towards addressing the statewide literacy crisis, but we must continue to push forward. Districts need clear guidance and consistent support — and we cannot afford to wait any longer. This is why passing S.338 and H.698 is essential to changing course.
2. Address the Emerging Math Crisis: Policymakers and education leaders must confront the math crisis with the same urgency given to literacy. This means we need to provide targeted resources that support the adoption of high-quality curricula, targeted tutoring, and ongoing professional development, as well as other policy changes, to ensure that every student stays on track.

“Our students are losing ground rapidly, and gaps are widening. If we fail to act — especially for high schoolers and underserved communities — Massachusetts risks entrenching inequities that could shape the opportunities, earnings, and civic engagement of an entire generation. This is not just a threat to individual futures; it is a threat to the long-term strength and prosperity of our Commonwealth.”

For media inquiries, please contact Chanthy Lopes at Clopestoro@edtrust.org.

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About EdTrust in Massachusetts

EdTrust in MA is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the American education system. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to education equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where students will thrive. For more information, see edtrust.org/Massachusetts or follow us on X.