Prairie State Wire

The latest results from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveal that Illinois' eighth-grade students have outperformed national averages in both reading and math. The state's fourth-grade students performed on par with national averages, maintaining steady performance across all subjects and grades from 2022 to 2024. This is in contrast to a significant decline in reading scores nationwide for students in grades 4 and 8.

NAEP, known as "The Nation's Report Card," offers a consistent measure of U.S. student knowledge, allowing for academic performance comparisons across states. The 2024 NAEP findings align with the progress highlighted in the Illinois Report Card, which noted record proficiency rates in English language arts for Grades 3-8 and demonstrated how Illinois schools have managed pandemic challenges better than many other states.

"Illinois students are proving what we’ve always known — when we support our schools, our kids thrive,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The 2024 Nation’s Report Card shows our 8th graders outperforming the national average in both math and reading, a testament to the great strides Illinois students are making academically. Congratulations to our students, parents, dedicated educators and principals whose hard work and dedication made this achievement possible.”

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders added, “The latest NAEP results give Illinois students, educators, and families cause to celebrate with steady or increasing results seen on the ‘Nation’s Report Card’. This data is another example, like our state report card and national studies, that Illinois’ students are growing academically.”

The NAEP was conducted among a representative sample of Illinois students from January through March 2024. The assessment defines three levels of performance: "Basic," indicating grade-level performance; "Proficient," an aspirational level; and "Advanced," representing superior achievement.

In eighth-grade reading, Illinois students scored an average of 262 compared to the national average of 257. Seventy percent met or exceeded the Basic level, while thirty-three percent achieved Proficient status. Only one state surpassed Illinois in eighth-grade reading.

For eighth-grade math, Illinois' average score was 277 against a national average of 272. Sixty-two percent reached or exceeded Basic level performance with thirty-two percent achieving Proficient status—a six-point improvement over 2022. Four states outperformed Illinois in this category.

Fourth-grade results showed that Illinois' math score was statistically similar to the national average at 236 versus 237. Seventy-four percent were at or above Basic level while thirty-eight percent were Proficient. In reading, both state and national averages were equal at a score of 214 with fifty-nine percent reaching Basic level and thirty percent achieving Proficient status.

Illinois remains committed to fully utilizing federal pandemic relief funds effectively through its learning renewal strategies tailored to student needs. Additionally, efforts include statewide initiatives such as adopting the Comprehensive Literacy Plan in January 2024 and planning a new numeracy initiative aimed at enhancing math skills essential for academic success.

NAEP assessments involve approximately 150 schools with around 2,700-2,800 participating Illinois students per subject per grade level reflecting diverse populations including those with disabilities or English learners.

Further details can be found on the ISBE NAEP & International Assessments webpage.