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- calendar_today October 31, 2026
PSAT Math Scores Drop Amid Rising AP Exam Participation
Latest data presented to the Juneau School District Board of Education on October 27 indicates a significant decline in PSAT math scores among local 10th-graders, even as more students are achieving qualifying scores on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The report, based on College Board results, highlights contrasting trends in student performance on different assessments.
PSAT and SAT Benchmarks Reveal Challenges in Math
Only 26% of Juneau 10th-graders who participated in the PSAT met the College Board's math benchmark in the most recent testing cycle. The district's average PSAT math score dropped 41 points within the past year, falling from 472 in 2023 to 431 in 2026. This decline continues a three-year downward trend in math performance. Conversely, 66% of students met the reading and writing benchmark, with that average rising slightly from 469 in 2023 to 471 in 2026.
The math benchmark for 10th-graders is set at 480, while the reading and writing benchmark is 430. Falling below these levels does not indicate failure, but signals a need for additional academic support. The number of PSAT test-takers also declined, dropping from 231 to 201 students this year. A similar trend was observed among students taking the SAT, where 41% met the math benchmark compared to 74% for reading and writing.
Context from Statewide Assessments
Data from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development shows that for the 2024-25 school year, 32.66% of Juneau students met mathematics proficiency standards, exceeding the statewide average of 27.85% but falling short of the district's interim goal of 38.11%. These statewide figures come from the Alaska System of Academic Readiness assessment for grades 3–9, which evaluates a different group of standards and students than the PSAT but offers additional context regarding math instruction challenges.
Advanced Placement: Growing Participation and Success
Despite the PSAT math decline, Juneau's AP program saw increased participation and strong results. In 2026, 211 students took a total of 364 AP exams, up from 202 students taking 302 exams the prior year. This represents a 4.5% increase in AP test-takers and a 20.5% rise in exams taken. Nearly 73% (267 of 364) of AP exams received scores of 3 or higher, which are generally considered college qualifying by the College Board.
Performance varied across subjects. For example, 88.5% of AP Precalculus exams and all AP Environmental Science exams received qualifying scores. AP Calculus BC and AP Statistics also had high success rates. However, in AP World History: Modern, just over half of test-takers earned qualifying scores. The College Board notes that AP students represent a subset of those taking the PSAT, as AP courses are college-level and often attract students already performing at higher levels.
Reviewing Assessment Data and Supporting Student Performance
The presentation recommended using assessment data, such as PSAT and AP results, to identify students who might benefit from more rigorous academic opportunities. One suggestion was to expand access to advanced coursework through programs like the AP Potential workshop for school counselors, which leverages assessment data to spot students with AP success potential.
Another focus is on strengthening math and science pathways, particularly expanding participation in AP Precalculus, where qualifying scores have notably increased. The presentation also urged the district to increase sophomore PSAT participation to better identify candidates for advanced academic programs.
District Response and Next Steps
Superintendent Shawn Arnold’s report to the board stated that administrators are reviewing college-readiness benchmarks and student participation to guide potential adjustments to secondary math and literacy instruction. The district continues to assess growth through regular Measures of Academic Progress in math, reading, and language for students in grades 3–9.
No new immediate measures were announced to address declining PSAT math scores. As Juneau education officials review these results, they plan to consider changes to curriculum and instruction aimed at supporting student achievement in mathematics and other critical subjects.
Source: juneauempire.com.
