NASBE Statement on 2024 NAEP Results in Fourth and Eighth Grade Reading and Math

Alexandria, VA — Paolo DeMaria, president and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), issued the following statement on the latest release of The Nation’s Report Card.

The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores released today are concerning, showing that we as a nation continue to be challenged to raise achievement and close gaps in reading and math achievement for fourth and eighth graders. National scores remain below pre-pandemic levels in all tested grades and subjects, with widening achievement gaps between higher-performing and lower-performing students. We need to remain steadfast in our commitment to raise achievement for all students, from those needing the most support to the students thriving at the highest levels. There are some signs of hope: Grade 4 math scores increased for the nation between 2022 and 2024. We applaud and commend the states showing us progress is possible and that we can improve across the nation if we work together. NASBE commits to learning from those states leading the way.

We should remember, too, that the rich available state data for schools and districts can also be sources of hope. They reveal the many classrooms, schools, and districts that are led by dedicated, committed innovators, teachers, and leaders and that have meaningfully improved student achievement and closed gaps. While clearly not sufficient, these achievements offer valuable lessons and should be celebrated and studied to guide efforts toward more widespread improvement. Additionally, effective change management and continuous improvement processes can make a significant difference, and we urge more support for these efforts. In the end, progress toward excellence is achieved classroom by classroom, school by school, and district by district. Through sustained, focused, collaborative action, we can better support schools and ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

NASBE serves as the only membership organization for state boards of education. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NASBE elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education for students of all races, genders, and circumstances. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.

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