National assessment shows DC schools improving in math, reading scores
Students in fourth and eighth grade also showed improvement, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (), and are out-pacing national trends when it comes to math and reading.
'We have fewer students who are performing at the lowest levels. We have more students performing at proficiency levels, and we are excited that our recovery investments are paying off,' said , DC Deputy Mayor of Education.
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Comparing the progress from 2022 to 2024, there was a 9-percentage point improvement in math scores for 4th graders and a 3-percentage point improvement for 8th graders at or above proficiency.
When it comes to reading results, the report revealed a 1-percentage point increase for 4th-grade reading and a 2-percentage point increase for 8th-graders at or above proficiency levels.
Additionally, the NAEP results demonstrated that Hispanic students outperformed nationally in 4th-grade reading.
School leaders said the pandemic played a huge role in student learning, and so far students are performing at pre-pandemic levels in everything except 8th-grade math.
'We believe that some of the hands-on, in-person learning experiences that you need for math skill development were truly missed. And so that will continue to be a focus for us, especially knowing that we want more of our students to be taking advanced math courses as well, in preparation for their post-secondary journey,' said , Chancellor for District of Columbia Public Schools
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They plan to tackle this mission through recommendations from their math task force, offering math certificates for teachers and engaging families.
'We're trying to bridge the gap from what we call old math and new math, with families so families can be more supportive, with math concepts at home,' said Ferebee.
School leaders said they're proud to know that 4th grade math tied for the biggest improvement in the country and they hope to see the same for all levels.
'We're very very pleased to feel as though we are on exactly the right path. This is not a call for us to change course. This is a call for us to do more,' said Kihn.
School leaders added that high-impact tutoring and support for professional development are a few of the many strategies they will continue to practice.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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