What were the results of the last national report card for reading at grade level?
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the national report card for reading and other subjects in the United States. The most recent NAEP results for reading were released in 2019 and provide information on how fourth and eighth-grade students across the country are performing in reading. Here are some key findings:
- Fourth-grade reading scores: The average fourth-grade reading score was 219 on a scale of 0 to 500. This is one point higher than the score in 2017 and four points higher than the score in 1992 (when the first NAEP reading assessment was conducted).
- Eighth-grade reading scores: The average eighth-grade reading score was 263 on a scale of 0 to 500. This is one point lower than the score in 2017 but six points higher than the score in 1998 (when the first NAEP reading assessment for eighth-graders was conducted).
- Achievement gaps: There are significant achievement gaps in reading between different groups of students. For example, fourth-grade students who were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (a measure of poverty) had an average score of 197, which is 22 points lower than the average score for students who were not eligible for this program.
- Proficiency levels: In fourth grade, 35% of students scored at or above the proficient level (meaning they demonstrated solid academic performance and were on track for college and career readiness), while 65% scored below this level. In eighth grade, 34% of students scored at or above proficient, while 66% scored below this level.
The results of the most recent NAEP reading assessment still shows significant achievement gaps and that many students are not reading at grade level. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to improve reading instruction and support for students who may be struggling in this area.
Most students today are below grade level and are struggling in reading. It is important and necessary that school districts understand what is needed to close this gap. Reading support intervention is needed to support these students as well as assessments to measure reading progress through the year.
Yes, Bill that is a correct! All school should be providing this support. Students who are struggling also need to get early intervention so they don't fall through the cracks and get farther behind.
Bill...yes its a big problem. I don't think parents really know where their kids are and if they are on track and on grade level. Parents also don't know how to help their children. Making sure they are in contact with their child's teachers is necessary so they can ask questions and get guidance on how to help them.
It would be great for all schools to have reading specialist on their staff to help close this gap. Louise, I also agree with you that parents don't always know how to help their children. We also know that the pandemic did not help this situation.
This is an ongoing issue with students reading below grade level. The title one schools need to have literacy support staff for these students so the reading gap does not continue to widen.
This has been an ongoing struggle for schools and students but also the Covid pandemic made this issue worse.