FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Leon County Schools Reports Encouraging Academic Growth in Mid-Year Student Progress Data

TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 10, 2026) — Leon County Schools (LCS) leaders shared promising news this week as new mid-year progress monitoring results show students across the district continuing to make meaningful academic gains.

During the March 9 school board agenda review, district leaders highlighted encouraging growth in both reading and mathematics following the second round of Florida’s statewide progress monitoring assessments (PM2). The results reflect the hard work of Leon County students, teachers, and families and provide the clearest picture yet of how learning is progressing under Florida’s updated assessment system.

Assistant Superintendent Shayne Syfrett and Academic Services Director David Solz presented the results, marking the first time the district has been able to compare mid-year data across multiple years under the new testing model.

“This is the first time we've been able to step back and truly look at the data in context,” Syfrett said. “With two years of results, we can begin to compare and understand what our students are accomplishing.”

Strong Progress in Reading and Math

The data shows encouraging growth across most grade levels.

Seven of the eight tested grades demonstrated improved English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency compared to the same point last year. Fourth grade maintained steady performance, holding firm at last year’s mid-year level.

Mathematics results also reflected steady improvement across most grade levels. While most areas saw gains, eighth-grade math experienced a small two-percent decline compared to last year’s mid-year data, an area district leaders say they will continue to closely monitor and support.

Behind these numbers are thousands of students who are building confidence in the classroom and teachers who are working every day to meet their needs.

Learning, Adapting, and Growing

Solz noted that familiarity with the new testing structure is beginning to make a difference.

“We’ve actually seen small increases of one or two percent in several areas,” Solz said. “Part of that is students and teachers becoming more comfortable with the format and understanding how to prepare for these assessments.”

District leaders emphasized that PM2 is designed as a mid-year checkpoint rather than a final measurement of student achievement. The assessment includes content from the entire school year, meaning students are often tested on material they have not yet fully learned in class.

As instruction continues through the spring, educators expect students to demonstrate even greater growth before the final progress monitoring assessment and end of course exams in May.

Focused on Every Student’s Success

For school leaders, the data is more than numbers on a chart — it’s a roadmap for helping every student succeed.

“It’s a great opportunity for our principals and teachers to dig into the data and identify exactly where students need extra support,” Superintendent Rocky Hanna said during the meeting. “This helps us make sure every child gets the help they need to keep moving forward.”

District leaders say the steady gains are a testament to the dedication of Leon County educators and the resilience of students who continue to rise to the challenge.

As the school year continues, Leon County Schools will use this information to guide targeted support, strengthen instruction, and ensure students are positioned for success on the final progress monitoring assessment this spring.