Illinois Students’ Performance on ‘Nation’s Report Card’ in 2024
Stagnant Scores for Fourth Graders, Improvements for Eighth Graders
Illinois fourth-grade students’ math and reading scores remained largely stagnant on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test, also known as the “nation’s report card,” compared to previous years. The latest round of test scores, released on Wednesday, shows that Illinois students who missed school or went through the interruptions and struggles of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic may still have gaps in their education from that time.
Fourth Grade Scores
According to the NAEP data, 38% of Illinois’ fourth graders were proficient in math and 30% were in reading. Researchers noted that the drops in proficiency for fourth graders in reading and math between 2024 and 2022 were not statistically significant.
Eighth Grade Scores
In contrast, Illinois eighth-grade students who would have been in fourth grade when the pandemic started showed improvements in reading and math. The scores for eighth graders in 2024 were comparable to those in 2022, with 32% of students proficient in math and 33% in reading.
Chicago Public Schools’ Performance
NAEP scores for Chicago Public Schools, the state’s largest public school district, showed that the district’s eighth graders had significantly higher scores in math and reading in 2024 compared to 2022. Chicago’s fourth graders had slightly higher math scores than previous groups of students, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Disparities in Scores
The NAEP scores also revealed disparities between Black and Latino students and their white and Asian American peers in reading and math at both grade levels. This trend has been consistent in NAEP scores over the past decade, predating the pandemic. However, Black and Latino students in eighth grade in 2024 reading and math were comparable to students who took the exam in eighth grade in 2022.
State Superintendent’s Response
State Superintendent Tony Sanders said in a statement that the NAEP results give families, students, and educators a “cause to celebrate.” He noted that the data shows that Illinois students are growing academically.
Conclusion
The NAEP scores provide a snapshot of Illinois students’ performance in math and reading, highlighting both areas of improvement and stagnation. While the results are concerning for fourth-grade students, the improvements seen in eighth-grade students offer a glimmer of hope. As the state and districts continue to work to address the academic gaps caused by the pandemic, it is essential to focus on providing targeted support to students who need it most.
FAQs
Q: What are the NAEP scores indicating for Illinois fourth-grade students?
A: The NAEP scores show that Illinois fourth-grade students’ math and reading scores remained largely stagnant compared to previous years.
Q: How do Illinois eighth-grade students perform on the NAEP test?
A: Illinois eighth-grade students showed improvements in reading and math, with scores comparable to those in 2022.
Q: What are the disparities in NAEP scores between different student groups?
A: The NAEP scores reveal disparities between Black and Latino students and their white and Asian American peers in reading and math at both grade levels.
Q: What is the significance of the NAEP scores for Chicago Public Schools?
A: The NAEP scores for Chicago Public Schools show that the district’s eighth graders had significantly higher scores in math and reading in 2024 compared to 2022, while fourth-grade students showed slight improvements.
