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How well do U.S. 8th graders score in math and science in each state?

Average NAEP math scores of 8th grade public school students, by state: 2011
Average NAEP science scores of 8th grade public school students, by state: 2011
Notes:
NAEP = National Assessment of Educational Progress (The Nation's Report Card)
Notes:
NAEP = National Assessment of Educational Progress (The Nation's Report Card)

In 2011, the nationwide average math score on the NAEP math assessment was 283, an increase from 276 in 2003.

In 2011, the nationwide average science score of 8th grade public school students was 151. Average scores for individual states ranged from a high of 164 in North Dakota to a low of 137 in Mississippi.

Key Observations

  • Of the 51 jurisdictions that participated in both the 2003 and 2011 math assessments, 46 showed significant increases over the period.
  • Since 2007, 8th grade math scores increased significantly for public school students in 28 states.
  • Of the 46 jurisdictions that participated, in both the 2009 and 2011 8th grade NAEP science assessments, 22 showed significant increases in science scores among public school 8th graders over the period.
See how states compare on a variety of science and engineering measures:
STEM Education Data and Trends 2014
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