Tuesday, November 1, 2011

2011 NAEP Shows Slight Improvement In Math Scores Nationwide in Grades 4 and 8

RESTON, Va., November 1, 2011—The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) welcomed the continued improvement in mathematics performance shown by the results of the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released today. Since 1990, NAEP math scores have risen steadily, and the 2011 average scores for grades 4 and 8 are higher than in any previous assessment year. NCTM noted that public attention to math instruction and emphasis on professional development for teachers could be having some positive effects on students' learning of mathematics. NCTM developed its first standards in 1989 and updated them in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics in 2000.

At both grades 4 and 8, the average score in 2011 was 1 point higher than in 2009. Scores for grade 4 were 28 points higher in 2011 than in 1990 and they were 21 points higher in 2011 than in 1990 for grade 8. From 2009 to 2011, the average fourth-grade score increased from 240 to 241, and the average eighth-grade score increased from 283 to 284. In 1990, these average scores were 213 and 263, respectively. The percentage of fourth-grade students performing at or above the Proficient or Advanced level was higher in 2011 than in any previous assessment year. The percentage of grade 8 students performing at or above Proficient in 2011 was higher than in earlier assessment years.

"The most recent NAEP results continue a trend of progress in mathematics education, which is encouraging," said NCTM President Mike Shaughnessy. "These scores show that much of what we are doing is working. Although it is good to see some progress in closing opportunity gaps, much more must be done to improve test scores for African-American and Hispanic students, other minority students, and children in poverty."

Although the Nation's Report Card showed no statistically significant changes in the gap between whites and blacks from 2009, both Hispanic and black students have posted considerable gains, especially in math, since 1990.

"While there are signs of progress in these results, real sustained improvement depends on integrating reasoning and sense making throughout students' school mathematic experience, starting in early grades," Shaughnessy said. "This, along with NCTM's longstanding emphasis on problem solving, is critical to improving the math proficiency of our students."

Results and Interpretations of the 2003 Mathematics Assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress by Peter Kloosterman and Frank K. Lester Jr. and published by NCTM, provides a comprehensive study of the 2003 NAEP which is useful in understanding the results of NAEP 2011. The chapter by Lubienski and Crockett provides useful background and an in-depth study of the achievement gap with respect to NAEP.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, providing vision, leadership, and professional development to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students. With more than 100,000 members and 230 Affiliates, NCTM is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving mathematics education in prekindergarten through grade 12. The Council's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics includes guidelines for excellence in mathematics education and issues a call for all students to engage in more challenging mathematics. Its Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics identifies the most important mathematical topics for each grade level. Focus in High School Mathematics: Reasoning and Sense Making advocates practical changes to the high school mathematics curriculum to refocus learning on reasoning and sense making. NCTM is dedicated to ongoing dialogue and constructive discussion with all stakeholders about what is best for our nation's students.

Media interested in arranging an interview with NCTM President Mike Shaughnessy contact: Gay Dillin, Media Relations Manager, gdillin@nctm.org, 703-620-9840, ext. 2189, or Andrea Elkin, aelkin@nctm.org, (703) 620-9840 ext.2198.

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