Reading & Math Test Statistics
in the United States
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data reveals critical skill gaps in 4th and 8th grade. Our mission is to engage families so every child builds the skills that empower success.
National Assessment of Educational Progress (2011–2024)
4th Grade Reading Achievement Levels & Racial Breakdown
| Achievement Level | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | 2022 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Below Basic | 34% | 33% | 32% | 33% | 35% | 39% | 41% |
| At Or Above Basic | 66% | 67% | 68% | 67% | 65% | 61% | 59% |
| Below Proficient | 68% | 66% | 65% | 65% | 66% | 68% | 70% |
| At Or Above Proficient | 32% | 34% | 35% | 35% | 34% | 32% | 30% |
In 2024, 70% of 4th graders scored below proficient in reading, up from 65% in 2015.
8th Grade Reading & Math Assessment (2011–2024)
Tracking middle school progress across reading and mathematics
| Race / Ethnicity | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | 2022 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic American Indian / Alaska Native | 83% | 79% | 81% | 81% | 85% | 89% | 88% |
| Non-Hispanic Asian / Pacific Islander | 45% | 40% | 42% | 38% | 39% | 44% | 43% |
| Non-Hispanic Black or African AmericanKey Gap | 87% | 86% | 88% | 87% | 87% | 91% | 90% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 80% | 79% | 81% | 80% | 81% | 86% | 86% |
| Non-Hispanic White | 57% | 56% | 58% | 57% | 57% | 66% | 63% |
| Non-Hispanic Two Or More Races | 63% | 63% | 65% | 64% | 64% | 73% | 70% |
It is not just a reading problem — only 10% of Black 8th grade students scored proficient in math in 2024.
We added math data for comparison to demonstrate that underlying cognitive processing, working memory, and foundational skill gaps affect learning across all subjects.
Does Reading Proficiency Matter?
Yes, it does. Reading failure is directly connected to academic, social, and societal challenges.
End of 4th Grade Risk
Two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will end up in jail or on welfare.
Inmate Reading Gap
Over 70% of inmates in America's prisons cannot read above a 4th grade level.
Children Without Reading Skills
One in four children in America grow up without learning how to read.
Juvenile Justice Connection
Nearly 85% of juveniles who face trial in the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate, proving the close relationship between illiteracy and crime.
Overall Inmate Illiteracy
More than 60% of all prison inmates are functionally illiterate.
We help families build the skills that close this gap
We promote and support youth success by equipping families with the tools and knowledge they can use at home to address this need.