Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) continues its relentless pursuit of academic excellence and opportunity for all. Since the inception of the Statewide Smarter Balanced Assessment in 2015, NMUSD students consistently outperformed county and state averages in Math and English Language Arts.

The California Department of Education recently released statewide 2023-24 standardized test data. Approximately 8,600 NMUSD students across grades 3-8 and grade 11 participated in English and Math assessments, while students in grades 5, 8, 11, and some students in grade 12 took the Science assessment. With 48% of the total NMUSD student population completing these assessments, the results highlight an increase in students meeting or exceeding state standards.

Districtwide Highlights:

Students meeting or exceeding state standards in English proficiency increased by 0.66%, mathematics proficiency increased by 0.10%, and science proficiency increased by 0.32%, marking continued progress across multiple subject areas. 

“This success is largely attributed to the dedication of students, alongside the collaborative efforts of school leaders, district administrators, and teachers,” said Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith. “Our focus on delivering high-quality instruction, fostering meaningful parent partnerships, and leveraging data-driven decision-making has been key to improving learning outcomes,” he said.

Grade Level Highlights:

The 2023-2024 school year data for 5th-, 6th-, and 11th-grade students, in particular, demonstrated growth in English Language Arts. Last year’s 5th- and 6th-grade students also demonstrated districtwide improvements in mathematics, highlighting NMUSD’s focus on improving academic achievement. 

Schoolwide Highlights:

In English language arts, 50% of NMUSD schools showed growth, while 36% showed growth in mathematics. Several schools made notable strides with growth in students meeting or exceeding proficiency in both ELA and Math: Adams, Newport El, Newport Heights, and Rea ​​elementary schools; TeWinkle Middle School; and Estancia and Newport Harbor high schools. Newport Harbor High School also demonstrated double-digit mathematics and English Language Arts growth compared to the prior year. 

These single-year score increases demonstrate the power of attention to the importance of the assessment and the intentional instruction of grade-level standards.

Rea Elementary School had a 17% growth over three years in students meeting or exceeding English language arts standards and a 14% three-year growth in students meeting or exceeding mathematics standards. Newport Heights Elementary School had a three-year growth in students meeting or exceeding English language arts standards and a 4% three-year growth in students meeting or exceeding mathematics standards. Estancia High School had an 8% three-year growth in students meeting or exceeding English language arts standards and an 11% growth in students meeting or exceeding mathematics standards.

Early College High School has maintained above 90 percent in students meeting or exceeding English language arts standards the past three years, and Anderson Elementary has maintained above 80% in students meeting or exceeding standards English language arts standards the past three years.

California, Lincoln, and Sonora elementary schools show a growth over three years in English language arts, Lincoln Elementary School shows a growth of 10%, and Sonora Elementary School shows a growth of 7%. 

Continued Commitment to Excellence:

NMUSD continues prioritizing high-quality instructional practices, making significant investments to ensure exceptional student learning opportunities. During the 2023-24 school year, elementary teachers participated in professional development focused on integrating targeted literacy and writing strategies into their classrooms. These efforts also included enhanced use of local assessment data to monitor and support student learning. 

“With ongoing efforts to support student achievement and prepare them for future success, we look forward to building on this momentum while making the necessary improvements to meet the evolving educational needs of our community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Achievement, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement Socorro Shiels. 

While we celebrate the growth across schools and subjects, there is still work to be done so that all students meet and exceed state standards. To that end, elementary teachers will receive training this year on the newly adopted standards-based Mathematics curriculum, and science teacher specialists will implement the Project Lead the Way (PLTW), science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum districtwide. Secondary teachers will continue integrating high-leverage instructional strategies that promote critical thinking and student engagement. These initiatives reflect NMUSD’s enduring commitment to high-impact learning experiences and the district’s confidence in its professional staff to foster ongoing academic growth and student success.

Statewide student assessments are just one part of our journey toward student success. While these results offer valuable insights, they only represent about half of our students. By investing in professional development, adopting new curriculum standards, and implementing innovative programs we are positioning our students for future success. With a clear focus on delivering high-impact learning experiences and supporting the whole student, NMUSD will continue to prioritize academic achievement and personal growth for all students.