Mathematics and Reading Achievement

Factors such as the extent of children's knowledge and children's ability to think, learn, and communicate affect the likelihood of their becoming productive adults and active citizens. Mathematics and reading achievement test scores measure students' skills in these subjects and can be good indicators of overall achievement in school. To assess progress in mathematics and reading, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) measures trends in the academic performance of students in Grades 4, 8, and 12. The most recent NAEP mathematics and reading assessments for students in Grades 4 and 8 were conducted in 2022, and the most recent mathematics and reading assessments for students in Grade 12 were conducted in 2019.

Indicator ED2.A: Average mathematics scale scores of 4th and 8th graders, selected years 1990–2022
Indicator ED2.A: Average mathematics scale scores of 4th and 8th graders, selected years 1990–2022

NOTE: Results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics assessment are reported as a composite scale that combines the results of separately estimated scales for each content area: number properties and operations; measurement; geometry; data analysis, statistics, and probability; and algebra. The scale ranges from 0 to 500 for Grades 4 and 8. Prior to 1996, testing accommodations (e.g., extended time, small-group testing) for children with disabilities and limited-English-proficient students were not permitted. For 1996, scores are provided for both the assessment with and without accommodations to show comparability across the assessments.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Indicator ED2.B: Average mathematics scale scores of 8th graders by race and Hispanic origin, 2005, 2015, and 2022
Indicator ED2.B:  Average mathematics scale scores of 8th graders by race and Hispanic origin, 2005, 2015, and 2022

NOTE: NH = non-Hispanic origin; AIAN = American Indian or Alaska Native; and API = Asian or Pacific Islander. The scale ranges from 0 to 500.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress.

  • At both Grades 4 and 8, the average mathematics scores in 2022 were higher than in 1990 but were lower than average scores from 2019. At Grade 4, the score dropped 5 points on the score scale between 2019 and 2022, and at Grade 8 the drop was 8 points. At Grade 8, the average mathematics score in 2022 was lower than all previous assessment years going back to 2003.
  • At Grade 12, the average mathematics score in 2019 was not measurably different from the score in 2015 or the score in 2005, the earliest year with comparable data.101
  • In 2022, at Grade 4, the average mathematics score was 6 points higher for male students than for female students. At Grade 8, the average mathematics score was 2 points higher for male than for female students.
  • In 2022, at both Grades 4 and 8, Asian, non-Hispanic students had the highest average mathematics scores. White, non-Hispanic students had the next highest average mathematics scores at each grade level in 2022. At both Grades 4 and 8, Black, non-Hispanic students had lower average mathematics scores in 2022 than did students in other racial/ethnic groups.102

Indicator ED2.C: Average reading scale scores of 4th and 8th graders, selected years 1992–2022
Indicator ED2.C: Average reading scale scores of 4th and 8th graders, selected years 1992–2022

NOTE: The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading assessment scale is a composite combining separately estimated scales for each type of reading (literacy and informational) specified by the reading framework. The scale ranges from 0 to 500. The 2000 assessment included data for only Grade 4. In 1992, 1994, and 1998, testing accommodations (e.g., extended time, small-group testing) for children with disabilities and limited-English-proficient students were not permitted. For 1998, scores are provided for both the assessment with and without accommodations to show comparability across the assessments.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress.

  • At Grades 4 and 8, the average reading scores in 2022 were lower than the scores in 2019 and not measurably different from the scores in 1992. At both Grades 4 and 8, the drops between 2019 and 2022 were 3 points on the score scale. At Grade 12, the average reading score in 2019 was lower than the score in 2015 and also lower than the score in 1992.
  • Unlike the pattern observed on the NAEP mathematics assessment, at both Grades 4 and 8, average reading scores in 2022 were higher for female students than for male students.
  • Similar to the NAEP mathematics assessment, at both Grades 4 and 8, Asian, non-Hispanic students had the highest average reading scores in 2022 followed by White, non-Hispanic students.102
  • Grade 8 students whose parents had higher levels of educational attainment generally had higher average reading scores than students whose parents had lower levels of educational attainment.103

table icon ED2A/B HTML Table | ED2C HTML Table

101 The framework for the 12th-grade mathematics assessment was revised in 2005; as a result, scores from 2005 and later cannot be compared with those from previous years. Among other changes, the framework was revised by merging the measurement and geometry content areas into one and by adding questions on algebra, data analysis, and probability. For more details, see Grigg, W., Donahue, P., & Dion, G. (2007). The Nation's Report Card: 12th-grade reading and mathematics 2005 (NCES 2007-468). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2007468.

102 Included in the total but not discussed separately in this indicator are respondents who selected Two or more races. Data on race and Hispanic origin are collected separately. Persons of Hispanic origin may be of any race.

103 Parents' education is the highest educational attainment of either parent. Data on parents' level of education are not reliable for 4th graders.