More Eugene School District 4J students participated in statewide testing last spring, while maintaining results above the state average in almost all cases. The district still has room to grow in test participation and in scoring, especially for grades 6-12.

"We celebrate the improved proficiency levels of many of our students," Superintendent Miriam Mickelson said. "It reflects, in part, the dedication of our staff to providing high-quality instruction and support to students who need it with the help of state grants and our literacy focus."

• Overall, 4J declined in proficiency in English language arts by 1.2% in 2026, increased in math by 0.7% and increased in science by 3.2%.
• With two exceptions, 4J students reached higher proficiency rates than students in the state overall in all subjects and grades.
• 4J's Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS) participation rate for the 2025-26 school year increased significantly across all grades and subjects from the prior school year, especially in grades 6-12.
• 4J's OSAS proficiency rates improved in 2026 for math and science, but declined for English language arts (ELA).
• 4J had 34 schools (including charters) participate in OSAS, and out of a total of 102 tests (ELA, math and science for each school) 60 tests improved from 2025. Of 4J's 19 elementary schools, 16 improved in at least two subjects.
• The proficiency dips 4J saw in secondary and especially 11th grade in ELA and math were common across the state. Despite improved participation last spring, 4J still sees relatively low participation at the secondary level as a major contributor to lower proficiency.

Mickelson said that the results also highlight the need to continue strengthening regular student attendance, belonging and relationships, meaningful instruction, and access to high-quality instructional materials. District staff have said that moving to Star interim assessments administered at the district level in grades K–9 will give teachers timely information on student progress and needs that will allow for even more effective interventions.

State assessment results are one measure of student learning. They are one of many ways we understand how our students are learning, growing and thriving.

District educators will continue to seek improved assessment results while giving students a well-rounded experience of mental, physical and social development in an environment they want to take part in every day.

Focus 4J is the district's set of strategic priorities for the 2026-27 school year to improve student outcomes. The three key areas are:

1. Attendance, because research shows students who attend daily will receive the benefits of high quality instruction and graduate
2. Learning, with an emphasis on literacy that is a gateway to success at all levels and for all subjects
3. Graduation, with staff making sure that students are seen, engaged, challenged and supported throughout their careers and personally invested in completing graduation standards.

Underpinning all of the Focus 4J academic efforts are principles of student belonging and culture, financial sustainability, and community engagement.