Missouri’s scores in national math and reading assessments remained steady in 2017, while landing at or above the national averages in all four testing categories among students in the state scoring either basic, proficient, or advanced.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assesses fourth- and eighth-grade students across the country in math and reading every two years. Missouri’s 2017 scores were not statistically different than those in 2015, as nearly 2,300 Missouri students were tested in each subject/grade.

“Most states across the country, including Missouri, saw their scores hold steady in the years since 2015,” Interim Commissioner of Education Dr. Roger Dorson said. “We know that there is still work to do, and we remain committed to ensuring that all of our students are prepared for success upon graduation.”

While both Missouri and NAEP score students on a below basic/basic/proficient/advanced scale, it should be noted that the NAEP proficient achievement level does not necessarily represent grade-level proficiency as determined by the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). Missouri designs its own assessments and sets its own standards for fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math proficiency.

Here are Missouri’s results for the percent of students scoring at or above the basic level:

In addition, here are Missouri’s comparisons of average 2017 scores to the other 49 states and the District of Columbia:

For more information and scores, visit the NAEP website.