November 2025

Four Years of Forward Momentum

“We are seeing real, measurable progress, especially in reading and writing, and growing signs of momentum in mathematics. At the same time, we know there is still work ahead to close opportunity gaps and ensure that every child in every classroom has access to the kind of learning that helps them thrive,” Enikia Ford Morthel said.

“I’m deeply proud of our community’s commitment to continuous improvement and to the belief that every one of our students can and will achieve academic excellence.”

Newly Released Assessment Data Shows Strong Student Progress in Reading, Math, and Science

Each spring, students in Berkeley Unified and across California take part in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP.

These assessments are one of the many tools we use to understand how well our students are learning and where we can continue to strengthen support for their growth and success.

While the CAASPP provides information about learning across our district, only students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 participate in the assessments. Within this statewide system, the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) measure student progress in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, and the California Science Test (CAST), given in grades 5, 8, and once in high school, measures science learning.

The 2025 CAASPP results show that BUSD continues to exceed state and country proficiency results. BUSD assessment data showed its fourth consecutive year of steady academic growth in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, as well as a 4 percentage point year-over-year proficiency growth in Science.

*Percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number for clarity.

Student Achievement: Clear Progress Since Last Year

The spring 2025 assessment results show real momentum, demonstrating that more students are meeting or exceeding grade-level proficiency:

Reading and Writing (ELA): 72% of BUSD students met or exceeded standards. That's a jump of 2 percentage points from the prior year and over 4 percentage points compared to two years ago.

Math: 66% of BUSD students met or exceeded standards. This is also an increase of 2 percentage points from the prior year and 5 percentage points compared to two years ago.

Science: 60% of BUSD students met or exceeded standards, which is an increase of 4 percentage points compared to last year.

These sustained gains across all core subjects affirm the effectiveness of the district's focused instructional strategies and dedicated efforts to elevate student learning.

Looking Beyond Test Scores: Measuring Student Growth

At Berkeley Unified, we know that learning is about more than just a single test score. Beyond the percentage of students who meet or exceed state standards, we pay close attention to how much progress each student is making over time. This growth tells the story of each student’s journey, reminding us that learning is about progress, not just the destination.



One of the ways we track progress is through a measure called Distance from Standard, which shows how close a student’s score is to meeting the state’s proficiency benchmark. This helps us understand each student’s progress, see where extra support might help, and direct resources where they can make the biggest difference.

Big Gains in Literacy Across All Grades

From 2023 to 2025, BUSD students made steady progress in literacy, with scores moving closer to or above the state proficiency goal. This growth reflects the dedication of our educators and the strong partnership with families who support learning every day.



BUSD has invested in training Literacy Specialists, Response to Intervention Teachers, and Special Education case managers to provide targeted support for students who need it most. We are building on this momentum by deepening educator practice, using data to guide instruction, and providing the right resources in every classroom to ensure all students continue to thrive.

Math Progress, Especially in Middle and High School

BUSD students continue to make steady progress in mathematics, with overall scores rising across grades 4 through 8 and grade 11, while grade 3 performance remained steady. In the early grades, students are building strong foundations in number sense and problem-solving. Middle school students showed consistent growth, and high school juniors demonstrated a notable turnaround—reflecting the district’s focused efforts on aligned instruction, data-driven supports, and targeted math interventions.

We are also encouraged to see growth across many student groups. Hispanic/Latinx and American Indian/Alaska Native students made meaningful gains, narrowing gaps compared to prior years. Black/African American students also showed improvement from 2023, though performance remains slightly below 2024 levels. These results affirm that our shared commitment to equitable instruction and strong classroom support is making a difference, while also highlighting where continued focus is needed to ensure success for every student.

BUSD Science Achievement: Gains and Accountability

In 2024–25, 59% of BUSD students met or exceeded the state science standards, a four percent increase from the previous year.

Science proficiency rates rose for most racial and ethnic groups, and several other student groups also showed notable gains, including Latinx English Learners, students receiving Special Education services, and students experiencing housing insecurity.

It's About More Than Just a Test

While our district results highlight collective progress, what matters most is how each student experiences growth and opportunity. Behind every data point is one of our students, each with unique strengths, needs, and aspirations. Their participation helps us understand how they are connecting with grade-level learning and how we can better support their continued growth.

The CAASPP is not a complete picture of what a student knows or can do, but when students participate fully and give their best effort, it provides valuable insight. These results can help students reflect on their own progress, help teachers tailor instruction, and help us as a district ensure that every student is seen, supported, and on a clear path toward success.

That is why participation matters for every student, every classroom, and our entire Berkeley community.

Personalized Student Insight & Support 

When students participate and give their full effort, the CAASPP results more accurately reflect their academic progress. Accurate results allow us to better understand each student’s learning journey and to provide meaningful support that helps them thrive.

• Targeted Support: The results help identify where students are excelling and where they may need more focused assistance to reach their personal learning goals.

• Self-Knowledge: The assessment offers every student an opportunity to better understand their academic strengths and areas for continued growth. This awareness builds self-agency, helping students take ownership of their learning, set goals, and pursue excellence with confidence as they continue their educational journey.

• Pathways and Possibilities: Strong results can contribute to earning the Seal of Biliteracy, support redesignation for Multilingual Learners, and, in some cases, remove requirements for certain introductory-level college courses.

Supports Academic Excellence Across the District

Accurate data strengthens our schools and ensures that every decision we make is grounded in the needs and experiences of our students. When every student participates and gives their best effort, we gain another point of high-quality information that helps us understand where we are excelling and where we can continue to grow.

• Inform Decisions: Meaningful data allows us to make thoughtful, evidence-based choices about resource allocation, curriculum, and instruction. It shows the impact of our collective efforts and helps us identify what is working well, what we should continue to invest in, and where adjustments may be needed.

• Ensure Equity and Excellence: Accurate data helps us see how we are serving all of our students. It highlights which student groups may benefit from additional attention or support and ensures that our commitment to equity and excellence is reflected in every classroom and every program.

The Power of Participation

Our 2024 results in English Language Arts and Math show strong progress across Berkeley schools. The state sets a participation requirement of 95 percent to ensure that results reflect the learning and growth of all students. When participation falls below that level, students who didn't take the test are assigned the lowest possible score, even when strong teaching and learning are taking place.

For example, some of our English Language Arts groups had about 88 percent participation. Because those results did not meet the 95 percent target, the state’s system lowered the overall rating. This gives a skewed picture of how our students are performing and how we as a district are doing in supporting their learning.

By showing up and giving their best effort, students help ensure that the progress of themselves, their school, and the district is fully represented. Each completed test helps tell a more accurate story of Berkeley learning and ensures that every student’s growth is seen, valued, and celebrated.

Want to Learn More?

• Families can view their student’s CAASPP scores through Infinite Campus. You can follow this step-by-step guide.

• To learn more about CAASPP results across California, visit the CAASPP website for statewide and district data.

• Additional details about Berkeley Unified’s results can be found in the Board Presentation.

• The California School Dashboard provides a broader view of school and district performance, including progress in areas such as academics, graduation rates, and student engagement. 2025 data will be available on Nov 13th.

• District newsletters that summarize key data points can be found on the Berkeley Research, Evaluation & Assessment (BREA): Berkeley Research, Evaluation & Assessment (BREA) website.

• Site newsletters that summarize key data points can be found on individual school webpages.

LGBTQ+ History Month: Willard Middle School Welcomes Award-Winning Author Trung Le Nguyen

Trung Le Nguyen shares photos of his parents after immigrating to the United States.

For LGBTQ+ History Month, Willard Middle School hosted award-winning graphic novelist and illustrator Trung Le Nguyen on October 16. Nguyen, the creator of the graphic novel The Magic Fish, shared his professional journey and personal experiences as an LGBTQ+ author. He also spoke compellingly about his immigrant background, detailing the significant hardship and setbacks his parents endured before establishing their lives in the U.S.

The Magic Fish is a story centered on Tiên, a young Vietnamese American boy struggling to come out to his parents. The book is woven together with fairy tales that his mother reads to him. These tales act as a shared language when Tiên and his parents struggle to communicate across a language barrier — his parents’ native Vietnamese and Tiên’s English.

Visit BUSD's LGBTQ+ History Month Resources webpage.

Filipina/x/o American History Month

A book display at Emerson Elementary School highlights reading in recognition of Filipina/x/o American History Month.

The district celebrated Filipina/x/o American History Month in October.

Visit BUSD's AAPI Heritage Month Resources webpage for teaching guides, reading lists, and more resources to recognize Filipina/x/o American History Month.

5th Grade - Music Camp at Jones Gulch

This year marked a new chapter in BUSD's 5th grade music program with the first-ever JumpStart at the beautiful YMCA Jones Gulch. From October 3 to 5, a record number of students were hosted, making this the biggest JumpStart camp yet.

The primary goal of the JumpStart camp is to foster community and ignite a lifelong love of music in young musicians. This trip serves as a vital bridge for our 5th graders, allowing them to move beyond playing in instrument-specific groups in the classroom and experience the thrill of performing in full musical ensembles for the first time.

The Numbers Tell the Story

• 231 Total Participants
• 166 enthusiastic 5th-grade musicians from Berkeley Arts Magnet, Malcolm X, Washington, Rosa Parks, and John Muir elementary schools.
• 33 Berkeley High School Mentor students who provided guidance, leadership, and inspiration to our younger campers.

Organizers were proud of every student and mentor who participated in making this inaugural trip to Jones Gulch a resounding success.

UC Merced Drone Program and Future Innovators

Students listened as Dr. Erin Hestir spoke in detail about the mechanics of a drone.

The Berkeley High School Bridge Program is a four-year academic skill-building and college preparation initiative designed to help underserved students successfully transition to a four-year university.

As part of their college exploration efforts, 30 Bridge seniors visited the UC Merced campus and received a memorable, unplanned experience. In addition to touring the facilities, including a dorm room to visualize residential life, they were treated to a spontaneous visit to the robotics and drones program.

Dr. Erin Hestir, Director of CITRIS & the Banatao Institute and Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering, generously led the seniors on an impromptu tour. She showed them a research-grade drone and explained the cutting-edge work happening in the department, providing a real-world connection to STEM fields and giving the students a glimpse into the high-impact research at UC Merced.

Happy Halloween, BUSD!

Halloween Costume Contest at MLK Middle School

Students at MLK entered a Halloween Contest. The categories were: Best Group, Anime, Funniest, Scariest, Cutest, and Most Original. Pictured above were a few notable contestants.

Celebrating Life and Memory: Día de Muertos at Berkeley High School

Berkeley High School honored the beautiful tradition of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), where students remember and joyfully welcome the spirits of loved ones back for a brief, heartfelt visit. At the heart of the celebration is the Ofrenda (Altar), a special offering meant to guide and delight the returning souls. The community altar was set up in the school's entrance hallway to give students and staff a space to honor those who have passed.

Meet Our New Student Director, Koreia Holston

We're excited to introduce Koreia Holston, a senior at Berkeley Tech and one of the new Student Directors. Koreia was inspired to take on this important role by her teacher, Mr. Lamar, who introduced her to the impactful work of the school board. She describes herself as creative and fun to be around, bringing a vibrant energy to the position.

Koreia's favorite subject is English, a class in which she has always excelled. When she's not focused on her studies or school board duties, she enjoys spending her free time playing games online with friends or exploring and having fun.

Walk & Roll at Emerson /w Mr. Bob

Students took a photo with Mr. Bob, the school's Morning Drop-off Volunteer, during Walk and Roll to School Day.

On October 8, students walked or rolled to school to build healthier, more resilient communities and a thriving planet. Schools across the district joined hundreds of other students around Alameda County to celebrate International Walk and Roll to School Day.

Robert Clear, affectionately known as "Mr. Bob," was also celebrated at Emerson for his consistent work as the school's Morning Drop-Off Volunteer. His connection to Emerson runs deep: he attended the school as a child, and when his own children enrolled, he started helping with morning traffic control. For years, he was a fixture, directing cars, helping students safely out of vehicles, and greeting every family with a warm welcome. In September, he was struck by a car while cycling to school. The Emerson community rallied around Mr. Bob, who received a Chris Kindness Award on October 22, with students enthusiastically chanting his name and singing for him during the recognition ceremony.

The video linked below shows students singing the Emerson Elementary School song to Mr. Bob in appreciation of all his work.

Run for Berkeley Students

This year, the Berkeley Public Schools Fund is once again partnering with the Berkeley Half Marathon on Nov.15-16 in support of Berkeley public schools.

Here’s how individuals and families can get involved:

• Register for any race—including the Family 1K and Kids 1K—and use code BHMLOVESBPSF for 10% off, and 10% of proceeds will be invested back into our public schools through the Schools Fund
• Fundraise with the Schools Fund! Select the Schools Fund during checkout to start your own page or team and rally support for Berkeley schools
• Spread the word. Whether you’re running, fundraising, or cheering, invite friends and neighbors to join you in making every step count for our students.

Join DESEAC to Support Students with Disabilities

Are you interested in supporting students with disabilities in Berkeley Public Schools? Consider joining the Disability Equity & Special Education Advisory Committee (DESEAC).

• Share input to strengthen policies, funding, and practices that affect students with disabilities.
• Learn about programs, services, and progress for students with disabilities.
• Build respectful, inclusive communication across schools and families.

Help prepare students for success in school and beyond.

Ready to join? Complete the membership form below today.

The next regular meeting of the Berkeley Unified School District Board of Education will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. This is a hybrid meeting. Meeting agendas and instructions for virtual attendance can be found here. Contact information and office hours for School Board Directors can be found here.

View Recent Meetings

November 5, 2025

October 15, 2025

October 1, 2025

Paraeducator Job Fair

BUSD is holding a Paraeducator Job Fair on Wednesday, November 19th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Parker St Offices (1005 Parker St, Berkeley, CA 94710).

Join BUSD to work with diverse student populations and receive great benefits like paid vacation, holidays, medical, dental, vision, and retirement.

At the event, you can get on-site support with your application, receive guidance for the online test, and even take the test on the same day (come prepared to access your email).

November 2025 Key Dates

Stay Connected to BUSD

Berkeley Unified School District | 2020 Bonar Street | 510.644.6150 | www.berkeleyschools.net

Notification of Non-Discrimination Policy

The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in district programs and activities. Accordingly, BUSD programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression; nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. (Board Policy 0410, Board Policy 1311, Board Policy 4030, Board Policy 5145.3, Board Policy 5145.7)

The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy. (Board Policy 4030)

Complaint forms are available at school sites and on the district webpage at www.berkeleyschools.net/complaints.

For inquiries or concerns regarding BUSD nondiscrimination policy 5145.3 or the filing of discrimination complaints please contact:

Jasmina Viteskic, Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Officer

2020 Bonar Street Room 116, Berkeley, CA 94702

Phone: 510.486.9338 Email: jasminaviteskic@berkeley.net

More information is available at www.berkeleyschools.net/non-discrimination/