(The Center Square) – Florida’s fourth and eighth grade mathematics and reading scores declined from 2022 to 2024, according to the newest National Assessment of Educational Progress report.
Despite the decrease, Florida ranked second nationally for fourth grade math proficiency and tied for 11th with Kentucky in fourth grade reading. Sunshine State eighth graders tied with Nevada at 43rd for reading and tied with Louisiana at 42nd for math.
The NAEP, known as the Nation’s Report Card, assesses student proficiency in reading and math among fourth and eighth graders.
In fourth grade math, Florida students had a 243 out of 500, six points above the national average and two points better than 2022. Of Florida fourth graders, 82% had basic proficiency, 45% were rated at proficient or above and 11% had an advanced level.
In fourth grade reading, scores dropped seven points to 218 compared to 225 in 2022. Sixty-two percent of Florida fourth graders had basic proficiency, followed 33% with an advanced or greater level of proficiency and 9% were considered advanced.
Eighth grade math scores put Florida five points below the national average at 267 and four points worse than in 2022. Only 55% were graded at basic, with 21% at proficient or above and 5% with enhanced proficiency.
In reading, Florida eighth graders dropped seven points compared to 2022, sliding from 260 to 253, four points below the national average. Sixty-three percent of eighth graders tested with a score of basic, 25% at proficient or above and 2% with enhanced proficiency.
The declines were in line with national trends. In 2024, the average reading score for fourth graders decreased two points from 2022 and five points compared to 2019.
Eighth grade readers also had a decline nationally in 2024, sliding two points from 2022 and five points off compared to 2019.
In math, fourth graders improved by two points compared to 2022 and were a blistering 24 points higher compared to the first year of the test in 1990.
Eighth grade math scores didn’t improve much compared to 2022.
