NAEP Math — US Math Score Trends
2024 NAEP Math Scores Increase in 4th Grade; 8th Grade Scores Remain Flat.
- Math scores in 4th grade increased by 2 points nationally, largely driven by higher-performing students, compared to 2022.
- After 8th grade math scores had the largest decline ever in 2022, scores remained flat in 2024.
2024 Math Survey Findings
- Math confidence is up among 4th graders, compared to 2022: A greater percentage of 4th graders had confidence that they could answer questions like how to estimate the weight of four apples using pounds.
- A lower percentage of 8th grade students are taking Algebra 1 in 2024, compared to 2019.
- In 2024, a larger percentage of higher-performing 8th grade students reported taking Algebra 1, compared to their lower-performing peers.
- Absenteeism remains a problem. It has improved since 2022, but is not back to 2019 levels.
US Math Achievement Level Examples
4th Grade
Achievement Level |
Example of Knowledge or Skill |
NAEP Basic |
Locate whole numbers on a number line. |
NAEP Proficient |
Add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers, fractions, and decimals in single and multi-step problems. |
NAEP Advanced |
Compare and order whole numbers, fractions, and decimals to hundredths. |
8th Grade
Achievement Level |
Example of Knowledge or Skill |
|---|---|
NAEP Basic |
Find a missing angle in a triangle given two angles. |
NAEP Proficient |
Apply strategies to solve Pythagorean Theorem problems. |
NAEP Advanced |
Solve problems involving area, including composing and decomposing complex figures. |
NAEP Math Assessment Framework
What math knowledge and skills should students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades be able to demonstrate? The NAEP Math Assessment Framework provides a detailed blueprint of skills by topic and grade.
Math Assessment Schedule
2026 |
National, state, and TUDA math scores for 4th grade and 8th grade |
2028 |
National scores for 4th, 8th, and 12th grades; state and TUDA scores for 4th grade and 8th grade |
2030 |
National, state, and TUDA math scores for 4th grade and 8th grade |
2032 |
National scores for 4th, 8th, and 12th grades; state and TUDA scores for 4th grade and 8th grade |