Fact check
“In 2025, the AZELLA passing rate was 12% statewide.”
Reasoning
The claim that the AZELLA passing rate was 12% statewide in 2025 is directly corroborated by the excerpt from the ProPublica article, which notes that after the pandemic, passing rates held steady at 12% for three school years, including 2025, with over 118,000 test takers and just over 14,000 passing.
On confidence: The provided ProPublica article directly states that AZELLA passing rates were 12% statewide in 2025, citing specific enrollment and pass numbers.
Important context
The article also mentions a change in the passing score for 2026, which increased the reclassification rate to 26%, but this does not affect the 2025 figure.
Evidence
Supporting (1)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceArizona Made It Easier for Students to Pass AZELLA English Test — ProPublica
“I don’t see any basis for validity whatsoever.” After dropping during the pandemic, AZELLA passing rates held steady at 12% statewide for three school years, including in 2025, when more than 118,000 took the test and just over 14,000…
Limitations
The assessment relies on a single source; while the source appears reputable, additional independent verification would strengthen confidence.
- Last verified:
- Sep 27, 2026, 4:28 AM CDT
- Pipeline:
- 2.1.0
- Claim type:
- Factual
Where this claim appeared
Arizona Lowered the Bar for Its English Fluency Test. Experts Say It Will Harm Students in the Long Run.ProPublica · Rafael Carranza