Arizona schools see alarming drop in enrollment and test scores

News 11's Cody Lee finds out how local educators are handling disturbing trend

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Governor Doug Ducey sat down with School Superintendents and their representatives from counties across Arizona to identify solutions to the alarming drop in enrollment and test scores that occurred during the pandemic.

Yuma County School Superintendent Thomas C. Tyree explained that he is concerned about engagement among students and families.

He adds that utilizing career and technical education (CTE) programs is an opportunity to address this issue and prepare students for success beyond their K-12 education. 

Ducey highlighted the severe loss in learning experienced during the pandemic.

The recent math and reading test scores show a significant drop which is why Ducey cites the learning loss.

He said data also shows that student enrollment in Arizona’s public district and charter schools remains about 21,000 below pre-pandemic levels.