HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s efforts to improve learning for all students is paying dividends, according to the “Nation’s Report Card,” which today showed Pennsylvania’s fourth- and eighth-grade students are academically outperforming students of most other states.
The study by the National Assessment of Educational Progress tested fourth and eighth grade students’ proficiency by administering assessment tests in reading and math. The results concluded that Pennsylvania students improved across the board.
“This significant achievement is a direct result of the hard work of our educators and of the strategic educational investments Governor Edward G. Rendell has made,” Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak said as he applauded the results of the study. “This national report reveals the commitment we have to improving the education of all students across Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania is one of only six states to make significant gains in elementary school reading and math since 2005. Also, Pennsylvania was one of only 10 states to make significant gains in elementary school reading and math since 2003. Overall, Pennsylvania made significant gains in fourth-grade math, fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math and, consistent with the national trend, saw no significant change in eighth-grade reading.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress found that only three states scored higher than Pennsylvania in fourth-grade reading and only four states were higher in eighth-grade reading. Meanwhile, six states scored higher in fourth-grade math and five states were higher in eighth-grade math.
The NAEP study also reports the results of subgroups based on race, gender and economic standing. The results found that Pennsylvania increased its scores in each and every subgroup.
“I believe it is most notable that we are closing the achievement gap,” Zahorchak said. “The mission of the Department of Education, under the direction of Governor Rendell, is to ensure that each and every student, regardless of background, is able to academically achieve. These results show we are closing in on that goal.”
Despite the marked advancement, Zahorchak said there is room for improvement.
“We must continue to academically challenge our students and hold schools accountable for the quality of education they provide,” Zahorchak stated. “Although the gains we made are something of which we can be proud, we need to continue to invest in our children’s future.”
In 2007, more than 702,000 fourth- and eighth-grade students nationwide participated in the NAEP assessments in mathematics and reading, which were administered by the National Center for Education Statistics of the U.S. Department of Education. To view the report, visit here.