NC one of 10 states to see declines in 4th-grade math; reading scores unchanged

The report, which measures math and reading performance of a nationwide sample of fourth- and eighth-graders every two years, found that students in North Carolina and the nation generally performed at similar levels as 2015, when the tests were last given.

However, North Carolina's fourth-grade math scores saw declines – 42 percent of students scored "proficient" or higher on the latest test, compared with 44 percent in 2015 and 45 percent in 2013.

In eighth-grade math and fourth-grade math and reading, North Carolina saw no significant change in their scores from 2015. In North Carolina, 35 percent of eighth-graders are proficient in math and 33 percent are proficient in reading; 39 percent of fourth-graders are proficient in reading.

In a statement Tuesday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson said, "While it is frustrating for educators and state leaders to see incremental progress instead of general success, we have spearheaded efforts to ensure that all funds invested by our state actually benefit teachers and students." Johnson said he has been reevaluating how funds can be used to support teachers and to improve student outcomes.

"Unfortunately, even with all the hard work, many of our students are not reading where they need to be by the third grade. As education leaders and as parents, it is time for us to step up and do our part," he said.

Now in his second year as state superintendent, Johnson has noted "stubborn concerns" with public schools' performance. In September, North Carolina released its own statewide data showing that public school students performed better on reading, math and science tests last school year. "But deeper into the data, the results show stubborn concerns," Johnson said.

Among all schools in 2016-17 that received a D or F, 92.9 percent had enrollments with at least 50 percent of students from low-income families. Conversely, among schools that received at least a B, 72.5 percent had enrollments with less than 50 percent of students from low-income families.

Nationally, fourth-graders made no improvements in math or reading on the NAEP tests, while eighth-graders' scores were flat in math and only slightly improved in reading. Overall, roughly a third of American eighth-graders are proficient in reading and math along with about 40 percent of fourth-graders.

The figures are in line with recent trends. Students made big gains in the 1990s and early 2000s, but there have been no major improvements since then.

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos says the country needs to do better for its students, citing the stagnating reading and math scores. States that saw improvements in eighth-grade reading included California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana and Washington. In addition to North Carolina, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vermont saw lower results for fourth-grade math.

"More alarmingly, the gap between the highest and lowest performing students is widening," DeVos added.

She singled out Florida's results for praise. Fourth-graders there improved in math, and eighth-graders had gains in both math and reading. DeVos said Florida has a strong publicly funded charter and private school program – a strong priority for the Trump administration.

"Florida's results show what is possible when we focus on individual students," DeVos said.

Fourth-graders in Puerto Rico also showed significant improvement in math scores. Eight states showed significant improvements in eighth-grade reading scores.

North Carolina has participated in NAEP since 1992 when it was voluntary. Beginning with the 2003 NAEP test administration, all states have been required to participate.