Minnesota Department of Education revises science standards, test scores drop

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Science proficiency among Minnesota students has declined following the rollout of new state standards. 

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, only 26% of students met or exceeded expectations under the updated benchmarks, a sharp drop from nearly 40% in 2024. 

The new standards, introduced this year, emphasize scientific inquiry and application over rote memorization. Officials say the shift is designed to better prepare students for real-world problem-solving, though the transition may be contributing to the lower scores.

The breakdown by grade level shows:

• 5th Grade: 26.1% proficient
• 8th Grade: 16% proficient
• High School: 36.1% proficient