How proficient are U.S. 12^th graders in math and science?

Only 26% of 12^th grade students scored at or above the proficient level on the NAEP math assessment.

Only 21% of 12^th grade students scored at or above the proficient level on the NAEP science assessment.

• A somewhat higher percentage of males (28%) than females (24%) scored at or above the proficient level in math in 12^th grade.
• Over half of Asians/Pacific Islanders (52%) scored at or above the proficient level in math, while one-third (33%) of whites scored in this range; fewer (6%–12%) 12^th grade black, Hispanic, or American Indian/Alaska Native students scored at or above the proficient level in math.
• 10% of grade 12 Asian/Pacific Islander students scored at the advanced level in math in 2009.

• A somewhat higher percentage of males (24%) than females (18%) scored at or above the proficient level in science in 12^th grade.
• At grade 12, only 27% of white students, 36% of Asian/Pacific Islander students, 4% of black students, 8% of Hispanic students, and 13% of American Indian/Pacific Islander students scored at or above the proficient level in science.
• Few students scored at the advanced level in science in 12^th grade.