Alabama, for example, passed legislation that required 3rd grade retention in 2019, but decided to delay the enforcement of that policy until the 2023-24 school year.

In science, grade five proficiency rose to 38.9% from 38.2% in 2022, grade eight proficiency grew to 37.4% from 36.3% and grade 11 proficiency increased to 39% from 38% a year earlier.