The latest results from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) have revealed troubling trends across the United States, highlighting significant declines in student performance among fourth and eighth graders. This assessment, often referred to as the nation’s report card, raises concerns as results show many students are struggling with basic reading and mathematics.
Released on January 30, 2024, the NAEP findings indicate academic scores are at their lowest levels seen since the mid-1990s. According to the report, about 68% of Maine's fourth graders and 72% of eighth graders tested at or below the basic reading level. Similarly, the data shows 61% of fourth graders and 69% of eighth graders didn’t meet the math standards required for their respective grade levels.
Janet Fairman, Co-director of the Maine Policy Education Research Institute, expressed her disappointment with the results, stating, "It's obviously very disappointing. It is part of a long, continuing trend." She attributed some of the decline to educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have undeniably impacted student learning. Fairman commented, "That's understandable. A lot of students had their education disrupted." The NAEP’s results align with concerns raised by educators about long-standing challenges, including staffing shortages and absenteeism, which have only worsened the educational climate.
Despite these challenges, some districts have reported differing results based on state assessments. For example, Eileen King, Executive Director of the Maine School Superintendents Association, pointed out discrepancies between NAEP and Maine's state assessment results, noting, "Our MEA scores indicate we’re scoring 65 percent proficient in reading." She urged caution against drawing broad conclusions solely based on NAEP data, stressing the importance of local evaluations and contexts.
Meanwhile, Washington state Superintendent Chris Reykdal acknowledged the mixed results, noting, "I am proud… but the overall results for the nation and Washington are not good enough." Washington's fourth graders demonstrated stronger performance compared to states like Maine, but eighth graders experienced significant declines, particularly in math. Reykdal highlighted the need for targeted improvements, particularly for middle school students, who have fallen behind.
The continuing decline has prompted experts to question the structures of public education, particularly as some states like Texas show similar trends. Jonathan Butcher from the Heritage Foundation reiterated, "Scores were on the downward trend even before Covid, but it accelerated post-pandemic." He suggested reforms centered around school choice and focus on academic fundamentals could help reverse these patterns. Butcher’s comments highlight the complex systemic issues facing education today.
The educational climate is equally challenging for the School District of Philadelphia, where recent evaluations indicate students still lag behind national averages. While improvements have been observed, such as a 7-point increase for fourth graders’ math scores since 2022, students still sit below the national average, prompting officials to stress the importance of maintaining progress. Superintendent Tony Watlington noted, "We've got a lot of work to do, but our children are well on their way," pointing to strategic initiatives aimed at improving outcomes.
Philadelphia’s challenges reflect broader patterns seen nationally, with many urban districts encountering barriers such as inadequate resources and facility issues. With only 57 schools lacking proper air conditioning compared to 118 the previous year, there are efforts underway to address physical environments, emphasizing the need for infrastructure improvements to support student learning.
Overall, the NAEP results highlight systemic educational setbacks as the country grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic. While there are efforts to recalibrate educational standards and student assessment methods, experts agree on the necessity for comprehensive reforms to address disparities and gaps effectively. Education leaders across the country call for increased investments, enhanced teacher training, and elevated expectations to uplift student achievement.
These assessments serve as pivotal indicators of national educational health, but they also urge immediate and decisive actions to correct course. If schools want to recover and improve student outcomes, they must respond proactively to the lessons learned from the NAEP findings, ensuring every student is provided with the tools and support they need to succeed.