Mississippi’s fourth graders lead nation in NAEP score improvements

JACKSON, Miss. – The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results show Mississippi is number one in the nation with the highest text score increases in 4th grade reading and math, and one of only thirteen states to see math scores increase.

“This is another massively historic win for education in Mississippi,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Mississippi fourth graders aren’t just one of the best in reading and math gains — they’re the best in the nation. And when you look at the historic performance of Mississippi’s eighth graders, as well as African American and Hispanic students, it’s undeniable that something special is happening in classrooms all across our state. Thank you to all of the parents, teachers and students for once again making history! Keep up the good work!”

According to the Mississippi Department of Education, Mississippi’s 2024 NAEP highlights include:

• Highest-ever rate of students scoring proficient or advanced in all four tests: 4th and 8th grade reading and math
• No. 1 in the nation for achieving highest score increases in 4th grade reading and math since 2013
• No. 9 in the nation for overall 4th grade reading scores and No. 16 for 4th grade math scores (up from No. 49 and No. 50 in 2013)
• African American 4th graders rank No. 3 among their peers nationally for reading and math scores
• Hispanic 4th graders rank No. 1 among their peers nationally for reading scores and No. 2 for math scores
• Economically disadvantaged 4th graders rank No. 1 in the nation among their peers in reading and No. 2 for math. 
• 8th grade scores hold steady since 2013 as scores nationally dropped
• Mississippi is one of only 13 states with gains in 4th grade math, which is the only subject and grade nationally that showed statistically significant improvements since 2022

For more information on Mississippi’s nation-leading gains and record achievement, click here.