NOVEMBER 13, 2013


4th and 8th grade math and reading assessments released

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PHOENIX – The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released the fourth and eighth grade math and reading results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation’s Report Card, to inform the public about academic achievement of elementary and secondary students in the United States. 

In Arizona, fourth grade math students scored significantly higher in 2013 (240) than in 2011 (235).  Localized analysis shows Arizona students continuing to sustain a growth trend begun in the 90’s in all subjects and demonstrated growth in 4th grade math. Eighth grade math scores, as well as fourth and eighth grade reading scores, remained statistically the same. Compared nationally, Arizona scores continue to remain at or below the average in all four categories, however fourth grade math scores were on par with national scores.

Arizona students showed dramatic growth in fourth grade mathematics, and remained consistent in eighth grade math. Fourth and eighth grade reading scores remained stable,” said Superintendent John Huppenthal. “Overall, the trend lines of Arizona NAEP results continue to rise. Even so, efforts to implement rigorous standards coupled with a state assessment that measures these same skills need to continue. The announcement today underscores the importance of Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards and their role in creating an education system in Arizona that can compete with the rest of the country. They will help ensure that Arizona students are prepared for college, work and beyond.” 

Arizona Compared to National Scores
In 2013, fourth grade math students in Arizona scored higher than nine other states or jurisdictions, lower than 21 and were not statistically different than 21. Arizona’s eighth grade math scores were higher than eight other states or jurisdictions, lower than 30 and statistically the same as 13.

Arizona’s reading scores for 2013 in fourth grade were higher than four states/jurisdictions, lower than 41 and not significantly different than six. Eighth grade scores were similar, with Arizona higher than four states/jurisdictions, lower than 37 and not significantly different than ten.


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Arizona Proficiency Rates
• Percentage of Arizona students who performed at or above proficiency in fourth grade math was 49%. Those who performed at or above basic level was 82%.
• Percentage of Arizona students who performed at or above proficiency in eighth grade math was 31%. Those who performed at or above basic level was 69%.
• Percentage of Arizona students who performed at or above proficiency in fourth grade reading was 28%. Those who performed at or above basic level was 60%.
• Percentage of Arizona students who performed at or above proficiency in eighth grade reading was 28%%. Those who performed at or above basic level was 72%.

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Additional information and analysis, including demographic breakdown and historical data is available online at www.thenationsreportcard.com. The full report of the 2013 NAEP Mathematics and Reading Results are available at www.nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard.

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