November 2013

Nationally representative samples of more than 376,000 fourth-grade students and 341,000 eighth-grade students show progress in mathematics and reading, according to the most recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a congressionally authorized project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Fourth graders scored higher in mathematics and eighth graders scored higher in mathematics and reading in 2013 than in all previous assessment years. Fourth graders scored higher in reading than in any other assessment year with the exception of 2011.

Average mathematics scores were one point higher than in 2011 for both fourth  and eighth graders. Hispanic students and female students made gains in both grades from 2011 to 2013, but male students’ scores did not change significantly.

The average reading score rose two points for eighth graders but did not change significantly for fourth graders when compared with 2011 scores. White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander eighth graders saw reading gains, as did both male and female eighth graders.