(The Center Square) – Tennessee’s fourth and eighth graders did better than their national peers in an analysis of math and reading proficiency.
Forty-two percent of fourth graders had proficient scores, which is six points higher than in 2022. The national rate is 40%.
Eighth graders also outperformed their national peers, scoring 31% as proficient, according to the report. The national average is 27%.
Thirty-two percent of fourth graders were proficient in reading, compared to 29% nationwide, according to the Nation’s Report Card. The congressionally-mandated National Assessment of Educational Progress measures student outcomes every two years and compiles them into the report.
Tennessee’s eighth graders also performed well, increasing four points from 2022 to 32%. English learners increased by 15 points and male eighth graders increased by 5 points, according to the results.
“I never cease to be amazed by the resilience of Tennessee’s educators and how they continue to be relentlessly focused on improving student outcomes, as seen by the 2024 NAEP results,” said Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds. “While we know there is still much work to do, we are thankful for historic investments by Gov. Lee and the General Assembly, and we appreciate the continued work of district leaders and educators to implement the right interventions and supports to continue moving our students forward.”
COVID-19 disrupted learning as schools shut down for what officials said was an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. Tennessee lawmakers held a special session in 2021 focused on learning loss due to the shutdowns.
Among the bills passed was Senate Bill 7002, which added interventions for students who fell behind. The bill includes after-school and summer learning camps. The law also provided tutors to students throughout the school year.
The $4 billion package also included a 4% increase to the salary component of the state education funding formula.
