By: CA Staff Writer | Feb 12, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – Mississippi’s 4th-grade students have achieved remarkable gains on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), surpassing the national average in both reading and math. The latest results highlight a decade of progress driven by educational reforms and the dedication of teachers, students, and policymakers.
The NAEP, also known as the Nation’s Report Card, is administered every two years to assess student proficiency in reading and math. It also evaluates the educational resources and support systems available to students. The 2024 results confirm that Mississippi is leading the nation in reading gains since 2013.
A Decade of Progress in Mississippi
State Rep. Rob Roberson (R) praised the results, saying, “I’m so proud of our teachers and students. It shows that we are on the right track. The legislation we will continue to push will be innovative ways to continue getting better and better.”
Mississippi’s success is rooted in reforms implemented in 2013, which have led to steady improvements in student achievement. According to State Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans, “The 2024 results prove that the education reforms the state has been implementing over the past decade work. They also validate the historic gains Mississippi students first showed in 2019. When we keep academic standards high, focus intensely on literacy, and ensure a strong accountability system for schools and districts, student achievement improves.”
These gains are particularly evident among African American, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students, who outperformed their peers in many other states.
Top National Rankings for Minority and Disadvantaged Students
Mississippi’s minority and economically challenged students have shown impressive results on the 2024 NAEP:
- African American students ranked third nationally in both reading and math.
- Hispanic students ranked first in reading and second in math nationwide.
- Economically disadvantaged 4th graders ranked first in reading and second in math compared to their peers across the country.
State Senator Dennis DeBar (R) credited educators for these historic gains. “The dedication and professionalism of our educators are unparalleled, and the remarkable achievements of our students—particularly among minority and disadvantaged groups—are reflected in these test scores,” he said. “We should all be grateful for the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our teachers, as none of these gains would have been possible without them.”
Challenges Remain for 8th Graders
While Mississippi’s 4th graders have excelled, 8th-grade students continue to perform below the national average. However, their rankings have improved significantly over the past decade:
- In 2013, Mississippi’s 8th-grade reading scores ranked 50th in the nation; in 2024, they moved up to 41st.
- In math, 8th graders ranked 49th in 2013, but improved to 35th in 2024.
Dr. Evans acknowledged the progress but emphasized the need for continued efforts. “While Mississippi has made tremendous progress, we need to build upon our momentum to close achievement gaps and ensure all students are proficient. We have more work to do, particularly in middle school.”
Mississippi Leads National Gains in 4th Grade Math
Nationally, NAEP scores have been declining over the past decade. However, Mississippi is one of only 13 states that showed gains in 4th-grade math in 2024. The subject was the only area to see national improvement since 2022.
In 2022, 32% of Mississippi’s 4th graders scored proficient in math. That number rose to 38% in 2024, marking a significant achievement.
Governor Tate Reeves (R) celebrated the results, stating, “This is another massively historic win for education in Mississippi. Mississippi fourth graders aren’t just one of the best in reading and math gains—they’re the best in the nation. And when you look at the historic performance of Mississippi’s eighth graders, as well as African American and Hispanic students, it’s undeniable that something special is happening in classrooms all across our state. Thank you to all of the parents, teachers, and students for once again making history! Keep up the good work!”
Looking Ahead
Mississippi’s 2024 NAEP results highlight the state’s remarkable progress in education, particularly at the 4th-grade level. While there is still work to be done, especially in middle school, the success of Mississippi’s students—particularly among minority and disadvantaged groups—proves that targeted reforms and dedicated educators can drive lasting improvement.
With continued focus on literacy, accountability, and student support, Mississippi is on a trajectory for even greater success in the years to come.
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