Based on standardized test scores, Coronado Unified students continue to excel across English, math and science.
The district administered the annual California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics last spring for 1,374 students in grades three through eight and grade 11. Students in grades five, eight and 11 were also tested in CAASPP’s California Science Test (CAST).
Megan Battle, the district’s senior director of learning, said testing results show CUSD ranked No. 2 in English and math across unified school districts in San Diego County, behind Poway Unified School District.
In science, the district shows a dramatic improvement with 60% of students meeting or exceeding standards – up from 51% in 2024.
“I do really attribute our growth to our focus on science,” said Battle, referring to grant-funded STEM opportunities.
Battle told the board an influx of students may account for some of the change, noting that 20-30% of students testing in some grade levels were new to CUSD.
Battle’s report shows similar trends in overall CUSD achievement for English since 2023, with 74% of students meeting or exceeding standards. In math, 63% of students met or exceeded standards.
The report highlights English improvement among juniors, with a 13% increase.
“Last year, almost all of our subgroups went up,” Battle said of the English scores. “This year, we’re seeing some dips. So this one to me is a little bit of a rollercoaster when we look at it.”
Battle said military-connected students, a significant category, always outperform other students in English and math.
She said an 8% dip in English performance by socioeconomically disadvantaged students comes after an 18% growth last year.
Battle said CUSD teachers use other assessments throughout the year to determine areas needing improvement.
Battle said CUSD also performed well on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, used to determine whether high school students receive college credit for advanced courses. The passage rate on 809 AP exams was 85%.
“We increased about 100 exams this last school year,” said Battle. “Our pass rates continue to be above the global pass rate in almost every single AP test.”
In other matters
- The board approved agreements between the district and the Association of Coronado Teachers. Deputy Superintendent Donnie Salamanca said salary provisions include a total increase of 4% in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years with one-time stipends for returning staff in each year for changes in the school calendars.
The next regular board meeting is set for 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the district office.
