Columbia Public Schools MAP results show continued gap in student test scores

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Large gaps in academic proficiency persist between student demographic groups at Columbia Public Schools, according to state testing scores from last year.

CPS has struggled for years with what some leaders have called the "achievement gap," which refers to the disparity in standardized test scores between certain student demographics and their peers. This year's scores show Black students were nearly 30 percentage points behind the overall student average, despite gains over the last five years.

That dynamic was seen in 2025 scores, as well. During the 2024-2025 school year, Black fourth graders scored 9.4% proficient in math, compared to 19.6% for students overall. The gap grew in fifth grade, at 7.3% and 21.4%, respectively.

The scores are used by state officials to grade schools and make up a major part of the state's Annual Performance Reports for schools. The state can intervene in schools that show continued poor performance.

Overall, the district's scores were up over 2024-2025 in every subject, according to a presentation being given to the Columbia Board of Education on Monday night. English scores were up 1.8% over last year, while math was up 3.7%, according to the presentation.

English language learners, students on free and reduced-price meals, students on special learning plans and Black and Hispanic students all lagged behind the overall district scores. Most of those categories have remained on an upward trajectory over the past five school years.

The board will hear the presentation at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Aslin Administration Building.