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The latest news from every corner of the state, including policy emerging from Missouri's capitol.

MO Student Test Scores Remain Steady But Concerns Remain

The National Assessment of Educational Progress provides an overview of students' reading and math knowledge and performance over time. In 2024, about 117,900 fourth graders and 115,200 eighth graders took the math assessment.
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The National Assessment of Educational Progress provides an overview of students' reading and math knowledge and performance over time. In 2024, about 117,900 fourth graders and 115,200 eighth graders took the math assessment.

Missouri students are keeping pace with their peers nationwide, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress but there are some concerns.

In Missouri, 75% of fourth graders and 59% of eighth graders met the basic math level, while 58% to 66% did so in reading. Nationwide, since 2022, fourth-grade math improved, eighth-grade math stayed the same, but reading declined at both levels.

Jeremy Ellis, Missouri's NAEP coordinator, says NAEP reflects the education system's health, noting declines before and after the pandemic due to various factors.

"Issues stemming from COVID, attendance, teacher morale, teacher retention," Ellis outlined. "I don't think it would be just one thing that we're looking at, or one cause of the stagnation in scores over the past few cycles."

Ellis noted although both Missouri's Assessment Program and the national assessment use similar scoring scales, the national "proficient" level does not align with Missouri's grade-level standards, which are set by state educators.

Peggy Carr is Commissioner for the National Center for Education Statistics. She pointed out one key issue that continues to have a significant impact on student performance across the nation

She pointed out one key issue that continues to have a significant impact on student performance across the nation

"Some improvement but not enough," Carr contended. "This wouldn't be so worrisome if we hadn't found a consistent and strong correlation between absenteeism and student performance. You have to come to school to learn."

The National Assessment of Educational Progress tests fourth and eighth graders nationwide in math and reading every two years.

The Missouri Public News Service is a partner with KRCU Public Radio.

Chrystal Blair is a veteran news broadcaster with more than 30 years of experience in radio and television reporting, producing, and writing. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and earned a degree in Communication/Radio, Television, and Film from Eastern Michigan University.