One third of US fourth and eighth graders scored in the “proficient” range or higher for reading, according to a nationwide test given earlier this year. Two-thirds of US students are reading at either a basic level or below grade level.
These findings come from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a test sometimes referred to as the nation’s Report Card because it samples students in fourth and eighth grades across the country. Its results were announced today. Evaluating progress in reading and math, these tests have been given since 1994.
Reading scores across the US fell in more than half the states in 2022, with no state showing good improvement, according to the test results.
These test results are the first since the pandemic closed schools and led to online learning for many students. According to the test, 66% of fourth graders and 69% of eighth graders scored below a proficient level in reading.
Test results vary greatly by location, though factors leading to these differences can be complex. Even so, here are results, state by state, showing proficiency levels. Proficiency means “demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter,” or high achievement.
Proficiency levels in reading, 2022
| State | 4th grade | 8th grade |
| National Average | 33% | 31% |
| Alabama | 28% | 22% |
| Alaska | 24% | 26% |
| Arizona | 31% | 28% |
| Arkansas | 30% | 26% |
| California | 31% | 30% |
| Colorado | 38% | 34% |
| Connecticut | 35% | 35% |
| Delaware | 25% | 24% |
| Dist. of Columbia | 26% | 22% |
| Florida | 39% | 29% |
| Georgia | 32% | 31% |
| Hawaii | 35% | 31% |
| Idaho | 32% | 32% |
| Illinois | 33% | 32% |
| Indiana | 33% | 31% |
| Iowa | 33% | 29% |
| Kansas | 31% | 26% |
| Kentucky | 31% | 29% |
| Louisiana | 28% | 27% |
| Maine | 29% | 29% |
| Maryland | 31% | 33% |
| Massachusetts | 43% | 40% |
| Michigan | 28% | 28% |
| Minnesota | 32% | 30% |
| Mississippi | 31% | 22% |
| Missouri | 30% | 28% |
| Montana | 34% | 29% |
| Nebraska | 34% | 29% |
| Nevada | 27% | 29% |
| New Hampshire | 37% | 33% |
| New Jersey | 38% | 42% |
| New Mexico | 21% | 18% |
| New York | 30% | 32% |
| North Carolina | 32% | 26% |
| North Dakota | 31% | 27% |
| Ohio | 35% | 33% |
| Oklahoma | 24% | 21% |
| Oregon | 28% | 28% |
| Pennsylvania | 34% | 31% |
| Rhode Island | 34% | 31% |
| South Carolina | 32% | 27% |
| South Dakota | 32% | 31% |
| Tennessee | 30% | 28% |
| Texas | 30% | 23% |
| Utah | 37% | 36% |
| Vermont | 34% | 34% |
| Virginia | 32% | 31% |
| Washington | 34% | 32% |
| West Virginia | 22% | 22% |
| Wisconsin | 33% | 32% |
| Wyoming | 38% | 30% |
comicphonics for early readers 