The results of the most recent NAEP (National Assessment for Education Progress) are in for math and reading. First we’ll look at mathematics for 4^th and 8^th graders. NAEP - math measures students’ grasp of mathematics and their ability to apply those concepts to problem-solving situations.

This year, 4^th and 8^th graders scored higher in math on the assessment than in any other previous year. While the average score at both levels increased by only 1 point since 2009 — a relatively flat performance — achievement has consistently been on the rise since 1990, so much so that 4^th and 8^th graders today are 2 to 3 years ahead in math than their counterparts two decades ago. Today’s 4^th graders score 28 points higher than they did in 1990 and 8^th graders scored 21 points higher in 2011 than in 1990. In addition, more students than ever in 4^th grade reached the Proficient and Advanced Levels and 8^th graders  reached the Proficient Level

Results are provided for the nation as a whole, as well as state by state (including Washington, DC and Department of Defense schools). As in other NAEP assessments, results are given in scale scores (0-500) and achievement levels (Basic, Proficient and Advanced).  Scores are given for overall student performance as well as by racial, gender, and income groups.

The general findings are:

Fourth Grade State Level

• At the state level, scores increased from 2009 to 2011 in nine states (Alabama, Arizona, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Wyoming).
• • The only state that saw a decrease in its average 4^th grade mathematics score was New York.
• Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and New Jersey were the highest performing states while the District of Columbia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana were the lowest performing.
• When it came to educating minority students, Black students in Massachusetts scored higher than Black students in any other state and Hispanic students in Maryland scored higher than Hispanic students in any other state.

Fourth Grade National Level

• Nationally, scores increased between 2009 and 2011. Since the first year of NAEP in 1990, student achievement in math has increased by nearly three years worth of learning (28 points). 
• The percent of fourth-graders scoring at or above NAEP’s proficient level has more than tripled since 1990 (13 percent in 1990 vs. 40 percent in 2011). Tthe percent of fourth-graders scoring below NAEP’s basic level has decreased from 50 percent in 1990 to just 18 percent in 2011.
• Since 1996, achievement gaps did not significantly change for White, Black, or Hispanic students.
  • The Black/White achievement gaps went from 26 points to 25 points while the Hispanic/White gap was went from 21 points to 20 points.
  • However, since 1996 the Black/White achievement gap has gone from 34 points to 25 points which has reduced the gap by nearly one-fourth. 

 Eighth Grade State Level

•  At the eighth grade level 13 states improved their scores from 2009 to 2011, while Missouri was the only state that saw a decline.  
• Once again Massachusetts obtained the highest scores followed by Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont. On the other hand, the District of Columbia, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana, and California lagged furthest behind.
• Black eighth graders in Texas and Hawaii outperformed Black eighth graders in all other states and Hispanic students in Montana outperformed Hispanics in all other states.

Eighth Grade National Level

• Nationally, scores increased one point from 2009 to 2011. However, students in 2011 know nearly two more years worth of math than students in 1990.
• The percent of students reaching NAEP’s proficient level has more than doubled from 15 percent in 1990 to 35 percent in 2011. The percent scoring below NAEP’s basic level decreased from 48 percent to 27 during the same time period.
• As at the fourth grade level achievement gaps remained similar between 2009 and 2011. The Black/White gap went from 32 points to 31 points and the Hispanic/White gap went from 26 to 23.  But between 1990 and 2011, the gap widened and began to narrow again:
  • The 2011 Black/White gap of 31 points was nine points narrower than 2000 but only two points narrower than 1990.
  • The 2011 Hispanic/White gap was eight points narrower than in 2000 but only one point different than 1990.

The full Math Report, including state results, can be found here.

Later today, we’ll take a close look at NAEP reading scores. – Mandy Newport