West Wake News

Data from the U.S. Department of Education indicates that North Carolina students are performing at or above the national average in eighth-grade math, while keeping pace with peers in other subjects. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as the Nation’s Report Card, assesses fourth and eighth graders every two years in reading and math.

The 2024 results show no significant change in North Carolina students' scores since 2022, with three out of four tested areas still below pre-pandemic levels. In fourth-grade math, scores remain statistically unchanged from 2019 to 2024. However, there has been an increase in the percentage of students scoring at or above proficient levels in both fourth and eighth-grade math since 2022.

Nationally, fourth-grade math scores have improved, but eighth-grade math scores remain unchanged. North Carolina's eighth-grade math scores were statistically higher than the national average. Reading scores nationwide declined for both grade levels.

State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green commented on the data: "These students had their learning disrupted during a critical time in their early education. While it is always disappointing to see a lack of progress, the NAEP data tracks with trends we’re seeing in state-level end-of-grade testing." He also expressed concern over increasing disparities between high performers and lower performers.

Green noted that recent improvements in literacy education due to implementing the science of reading are not reflected in this assessment. From 2021 to June 2024, over 44,000 educators completed professional development courses focused on early literacy skills.

Tammy Howard from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction emphasized differences between NAEP Proficient and state-level proficiency standards: "NAEP Proficient and Advanced are similar to Levels 4 and 5 on the EOG in that they both signify solid and superior academic performance."

The assessment serves as a benchmark for tracking states' progress over time but does not provide district or school-level results except for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Guilford County Schools through their participation in the Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA). More detailed information will be presented at an upcoming State Board of Education meeting.