Schools
RI Students Perform on Average Nationally
Eighth- and fourth-graders ranked in the middle of the road in both reading and math when compared with students across the country.
Rhode Island students rank in the middle of the road in both math and reading among students across the country, and have shown improvement over the past four years, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Performance.
The “Nation’s Report Card” indicates 8th graders in Rhode Island rank 25th and 27th in reading and math, respectively, compared to all 50 states. Rhode Island 4th graders rank 18th in reading and 26th in math. Rhode Island students improved in all four categories over the test's 2009 results, and ranked at or just above the national average in all, the first time RI students have achieved the feat, according to the Rhode Island Department of Education.
The NAEP test is an ongoing, nationally representative assessment designed to evaluate what American students in grades four and eight know and can do in a variety of subjects, including reading and science. It was established by Congress in 1969.
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„In 2013, 36 percent of Rhode Island eighth graders were deemed proficient or better at math, just ahead of the national average of 34 percent. More students — 38 percent — have just a basic understanding of math, and 26 percent were deemed to be "below basic."
In reading, 36 percent of eight graders were deemed proficient or better, again about national average of 35 percent. Forty-one percent are at the basic level, while 28 percent are below basic.
Fourth Grade Results
Fourth graders in Rhode Island performed similarly on the tests. Forty-two percent were deemed proficient in math — matching the national average — with 40 percent having a basic understanding and 18 percent below basic.
In reading, 38 percent of fourth graders are proficient, just ahead of the national average of 34 percent. Thirty-two percent of Rhode Island fourth graders are reading at a basic level, while 30 percent are below basic.
“I am very pleased to see this evidence of our steady progress over the past four years,” Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist said in a release. “Our goal is to prepare all Rhode Island students for success, and, thanks to our dedicated teachers, students, and families, we are taking major strides toward achieving that goal. To continue moving forward as a state, we will focus on closing achievement gaps and on making our schools America’s best.”
Massachusetts students performed the best in the nation, leading the way in all categories except fourth grade math, for which it ranked third. Fifty-four percent of Massachusetts eight graders are proficient or above in math; 48 percent in reading. Among fourth graders in Massachusetts, 59 percent are proficient or better in math (just behind Minnesota's 60 percent); 48 percent in reading.
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