California Eighth-Graders Improve Reading Scores, Lag Nationally

by Kari Hulac

While California’s eighth-graders made the biggest improvement in average reading scores in the country last year, the state's pupils still ranked 36th in the nation, according to an annual national assessment of students released Thursday.

The 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress declared that the average reading score of California eighth-graders jumped this year from 255 to 262. National students on average scored 266. There was no change in scores for higher achieving students and African American and Hispanic students. 

More California students are performing at the proficient level in reading — 29 percent in 2013 compared to 24 percent in 2011 and 21 percent in 1998.

Also known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” the NAEP test is an ongoing, nationally representative assessment designed to evaluate what American students in grades four and eight know and can do in a variety of subjects, including reading and science. It was established by Congress in 1969.

Eighth Grade Math Results

“The resilience and tenacity of our schools have seen them through some challenging years, and I’m glad to see this validation of the hard work of educators, students and their families,” said State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson in a press release about the reading scores. “These scores are another sign that we are moving in the right direction to prepare students for college and career, but we still have a lot of work to do to make sure every student graduates equipped to succeed.”

State Board of Education President Mike Kirst agreed, noting that California’s scores climbed in nearly all the tested areas in addition to the grade eight reading jump.

“Literacy is at the core of a child’s education, and it’s remarkable to see such a major gain in scores in just one year,” Kirst said. “We can all look forward to seeing where our students go from here as we continue to improve teaching and learning.”

However, the state press release noted, while some gains were made this year in narrowing the gap between higher achieving students and African American and Hispanic students, a persistent achievement gap remained.

About 220 school districts and 740 schools in California participated in NAEP during the 2012-13 school year. NAEP results are reported for populations of students, not for individual students or schools. For complete state and national results, visit the NAEP Web site.