.png)
OLYMPIA — The National Center for Education Statistics released results from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nation’s Report Card, on Jan. 29.
Only five states performed significantly higher than Washington in fourth-grade reading, four states in fourth-grade math and four states in eighth-grade reading. But 14 states performed better than Washington in eighth-grade math, in which Washington’s scores have decreased since 2022.
On average, the nation saw no significant changes in eighth-grade math scores. It did, however, see significant decreases in fourth-grade and eighth-grade reading scores, and a significant increase in fourth-grade math scores.
“This assessment is the only reliable tool we have to compare our progress with the country, and there are very few states that outperform Washington’s students,” said Chris Reykdal, Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction, in a press release. “However, the overall results for the nation and Washington are not good enough.”
Meanwhile, only three states performed significantly higher than Idaho in fourth-grade math, four states in fourth-grade reading and two states in eighth-grade reading.
Unlike Washington, Idaho is still ahead in eighth-grade math, performing significantly lower than only two other states. But its scores have decreased since 2022 — more significantly so than Washington’s.
“We see both opportunities and successes in Idaho’s math results,” said Debbie Critchfield, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, in a press release.
NAEP is the nation’s only assessment of student achievement from which comparisons can be drawn between states. The assessment measures student progress in fourth and eighth-grade math, reading and other categories such as science and writing.
NCES administers the assessment every two years to statistically representative samples of students from each state.
“Over the last several rounds of the NAEP administration, we have seen our students make progress in math from fourth to eighth grade compared to other states,” Reykdal said in a press release. “This year, however, we see the opposite: our fourth graders made gains in math, while our eighth graders lost ground.”
For Washington to maintain its “economic excellence” in software, engineering, advanced manufacturing and other sectors, Reykdal aims to make significant gains in elementary and middle school math.
He has an initial plan: fully fund basic education, prioritize regional professional development work, increase investments in Washington’s Learning Assistance Program and dedicate more instructional time to math in elementary school, according to a press release.
“This testing cycle shows us that we have some targeted, intentional work ahead of us so we can continue to be a top performer in both reading and math,” Reykdal said in a press release. “I look forward to partnering with the Legislature and the Governor to ensure our schools have the resources they need to double-down on their efforts.”
In Idaho, Critchfield referenced past public discussions about the gaps in and needs for math outcomes. She has worked with the Idaho State Board of Education to develop essential math standards and better prepare educators, according to a press release.
“Seeing our students consistently outperform nationwide scores is encouraging and reflective of the priorities we have made in reading and math and getting back to basics,” Critchfield said in a press release.
