The 2024 NAEP Report Card reveals declines in reading scores and mixed results in math for 4th and 8th graders. The data highlights persistent achievement gaps and the need for targeted educational interventions to address pandemic-induced learning losses.
The 2024 Nation’s Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), has been released, providing a comprehensive look at the academic performance of U.S. students. The report shows a concerning decline in reading scores for both 4th and 8th graders, with fewer than a third of students nationwide scoring at the NAEP Proficient level in reading. This decline compounds the 3-point drop seen between 2019 and 2022, indicating that students are not yet back to pre-pandemic achievement levels.
In contrast, math scores show some progress, particularly in 4th grade, where Texas students outperformed the national average. However, overall math scores remain lower than their peak in 2013. The report also highlights a persistent achievement gap between higher- and lower-performing students, with the lowest-performing students scoring about 100 points below the highest-performing students.
The NAEP results underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to address pandemic-induced learning losses. Policymakers and educators are urged to invest in data-informed efforts that have been shown to work, ensuring all young people have the academic foundation they need to succeed. The report serves as a critical yardstick for measuring student achievement over time, providing essential insights into the effectiveness of U.S. education systems.
1. What are the main findings of the 2024 NAEP Report Card?
The main findings include declines in reading scores for both 4th and 8th graders and mixed results in math, with some progress in 4th grade but overall lower scores compared to 2013.
2. How do the NAEP results reflect the impact of the pandemic on education?
The results show that students are not yet back to pre-pandemic achievement levels, indicating persistent learning losses due to the pandemic.
3. What is the significance of the achievement gap highlighted in the report?
The achievement gap between higher- and lower-performing students has been widening since around 2010, with the lowest-performing students scoring significantly lower than the highest-performing students.
4. How can policymakers address the issues highlighted by the NAEP results?
Policymakers should invest in data-informed efforts that have been shown to work, ensuring all students have the academic foundation they need to succeed.
5. What role does the NAEP play in measuring student achievement over time?
The NAEP serves as a critical yardstick for measuring student achievement over time, providing essential insights into the effectiveness of U.S. education systems.
The 2024 NAEP Report Card underscores the need for immediate action to address the persistent declines in reading scores and the widening achievement gap. By investing in targeted educational interventions and data-informed efforts, policymakers can help ensure that all students have the academic foundation they need to succeed.
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