UPDATE: PSSA scores in Luzerne County have plummeted significantly post-COVID, revealing a troubling trend in student performance as schools struggle to recover. New data shows a stark decline in proficiency rates for language arts and math across all districts, underscoring the long-lasting impact of the pandemic.
As of March 2026, marking six years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, test scores across Luzerne County remain a serious concern. The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) results indicate a marked decrease in student achievement, particularly in language arts, with almost all of the county’s 11 school districts reporting lower scores compared to last year.
In 2025, only 48.5% of Pennsylvania students scored proficient or advanced in language arts, down from 53% in 2024. Math proficiency saw a slight uptick, rising to 41.7% from 40.4% the previous year, but the overall trend remains alarming.
Hazleton Area Superintendent Brian Uplinger commented on the widespread nature of the decline, stating, “The trend is seen not only in the Hazleton Area School District but also across Luzerne County, throughout Pennsylvania, and across the nation.” This further emphasizes the urgent need for educational reform and support.
The analysis reveals that in 2025, ten of Luzerne County’s school districts recorded declines in language arts proficiency rates, with Northwest Area experiencing the steepest drop of 18.6 points. The lone exception was Wilkes-Barre Area, which saw a marginal increase to 32.6% of students scoring proficient.
Despite the challenges, some districts reported slight improvements in math proficiency, with nine districts showing modest gains. However, the overall performance remains below the state averages, indicating a pressing need for intervention.
Superintendents across the county are responding proactively. Charles Suppon Jr. of Wyoming Valley West emphasized their commitment to data-driven decisions to bridge learning gaps, stating, “Our district is constantly analyzing student data.” Districts are implementing additional support programs, including before and after school remediation, to help struggling students.
The long-term picture is troubling. A comparison of average proficiency rates from 2015 to 2019 with those from 2021 to 2025 shows a consistent drop between 8 and 19 percentage points in language arts proficiency across Luzerne County. Math scores also reflect a decline, with averages dropping between 2 and 14 percentage points.
Dallas Superintendent Thomas Duffy noted, “The review of student performance data drives a structured review of curriculum and programs,” highlighting the necessity for systematic change in educational strategies.
As educators work tirelessly to address these challenges, the emotional impact on students and families cannot be overlooked. Many students are grappling with the repercussions of the pandemic, which affect their academic performance. Uplinger added, “PSSAs do not define a student’s abilities or predict how they will perform in the real world,” underscoring the complexity of educational assessment in a post-pandemic landscape.
In light of these developments, the education community in Luzerne County is urged to continue adapting strategies to improve student outcomes. The upcoming school year will see a shift to entirely digital PSSA testing, which may further reshape how students prepare and perform.
NEXT STEPS: As districts implement new initiatives and monitoring systems, all eyes will remain on PSSA results in the coming years. Communities are encouraged to support local schools and advocate for the necessary resources to foster student success.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent issue as Luzerne County schools navigate these unprecedented challenges.
