NAEP Math — US Math Score Trends
2024 NAEP Math Scores Decline Since 2019; 4th Grade Math Scores Increase Since 2022.
- Math scores in 4th grade increased by 2 points nationally, largely driven by higher-performing students, compared to 2022.
- Math scores in 8th grade had the largest decline ever in 2022, though scores did not change significantly in 2024.
- The 2024 average 12th grade math score is down 3 points from 2019 and is the lowest score ever reported for 12th grade. Forty-five percent of students are working below NAEP Basic – the highest percentage ever.
2024 Math Survey Findings
- Compared to 2022, a greater percentage of 4th graders reported a high level of 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 since 2022, and a lower percentage of 12th grade students are taking pre-calculus, compared to 2019.
- In 2024, a third – 33% – of 12th graders are considered academically ready for entry-level college math coursework, compared to 37% in 2019, based on research commissioned by the Governing Board.
- Absenteeism remains a problem across all grades assessed, compared to 2019.
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. |
12th Grade
Achievement Level |
Example of Knowledge or Skill |
|---|---|
NAEP Basic |
Apply single-step percentages to solve real-world problems. |
NAEP Proficient |
Analyze information to solve real-world problems with proportional reasoning. |
NAEP Advanced |
Solve multi-step, real-world problems using percentages. |
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 |