A student focusing while doing a math equation on a classroom's whiteboard.
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Here's where every state stands on math and reading proficiency amid 20-year lows

Written by:
February 28, 2023
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This story originally appeared on HeyTutor and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

Here's where every state stands on math and reading proficiency amid 20-year lows

Several studies within the past year have shown just how detrimental remote learning has been to academic progress during the coronavirus pandemic, especially for students already disadvantaged by racial and economic achievement gaps.

Harvard University's Center for Education Policy Research, for example, looked at testing data from fall 2019 through fall 2021 of 2 million students in 10,000 schools across 49 states, including Washington D.C. Compared to testing data from the two years before the pandemic, its findings showed that remote learning, including hybrid models, was one of the primary causes of widening academic achievement gaps.

Remote learning is only as effective as the resources a student can access, particularly for younger kids. High-performing fourth-grade students reported having greater access to resources like a computer, a quiet place to work, and a teacher to help them compared to low-performing students, according to a separate study conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Students in homes where parental educational attainment was less than a high school diploma, as well as those from the lowest income quarter, were most likely to have home internet access only through a smartphone.

As a result of different regional COVID-19 policies and restrictions, achievement gaps varied but were most severe in states with longer durations of remote instruction. Additionally, schools made up of a high percentage of students from low-income families spent an extra 5.5 weeks, on average, learning remotely during 2020-21 than wealthier schools, and fell further behind because of it. While achievement losses still persist among schools that went back to in-person learning, achievement gaps were not worsened like they were among remote students.

The NAEP analyzes exams administered by the Department of Education to fourth and eighth graders as a common measure of academic achievement across the country in math and reading, among other subjects. Its 2022 analysis found that performance decreased across the board. Nationally, average fourth-grade math scores fell five points since 2019, while eighth-grade math scores dropped eight points. Average reading scores for both fourth and eighth grades fell three points.

To put the 20-year math and reading lows into context, HeyTutor analyzed the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress data from the DOE's National Center for Education Statistics.

Although school districts are only required to allocate 20% of their American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding to academic recovery efforts, the Harvard study concludes that some will need to spend all of their aid to combat the effects of lost instructional time and close the achievement gap widened by remote learning.

The Mobile, Alabama, skyline as seen at dusk.
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Alabama

- 4th-grade math:
--- 71% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 230 (7-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 59% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 213 (6-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 53% at basic level, 19% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 264 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 61% at basic level, 22% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 251 (2-point decrease from 2003)

Boats and buildings in Sitka, Alaska.
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Marc Cappelletti // Shutterstock

Alaska

- 4th-grade math:
--- 65% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 226 (7-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 51% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 204 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 59% at basic level, 23% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 270 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 63% at basic level, 26% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 253 (3-point decrease from 2003)

A highway leading into downtown Phoenix.
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Brandon Burris // Shutterstock

Arizona

- 4th-grade math:
--- 70% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 232 (3-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 61% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 215 (6-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 58% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 271 (no change from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 68% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (4-point increase from 2003)

A scenic suburb in Ozark, Arkansas.
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Trong Nguyen // Shutterstock

Arkansas

- 4th-grade math:
--- 69% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 228 (1-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 58% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 212 (2-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 55% at basic level, 19% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 267 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 64% at basic level, 26% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 255 (3-point decrease from 2003)

A road leading into Silicon Valley.
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California

- 4th-grade math:
--- 67% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 230 (3-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 58% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 214 (8-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 56% at basic level, 23% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 270 (3-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 67% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (8-point increase from 2003)

An aerial view of downtown Denver on a sunny day.
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Colorado

- 4th-grade math:
--- 75% at basic level, 36% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 236 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 68% at basic level, 38% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 223 (1-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 63% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 275 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 73% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 263 (5-point decrease from 2003)

Hartford's skyline in Connecticut as seen from a distance.
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Connecticut

- 4th-grade math:
--- 74% at basic level, 37% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 236 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 64% at basic level, 35% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 219 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 63% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 276 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 72% at basic level, 35% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 264 (3-point decrease from 2003)

Wilmington, Delaware, as seen during late afternoon.
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Delaware

- 4th-grade math:
--- 64% at basic level, 26% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 226 (10-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 53% at basic level, 25% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 208 (16-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 51% at basic level, 18% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 264 (13-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 62% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 253 (12-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial view of Boca Raton's coastline in Florida.
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FotosForTheFuture // Shutterstock

Florida

- 4th-grade math:
--- 81% at basic level, 41% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 241 (7-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 71% at basic level, 39% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 225 (7-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 58% at basic level, 23% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 271 (no change from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 69% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 260 (3-point increase from 2003)

A view of Atlanta's skyline from Lake Meer in Piedmont Park.
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ESB Professional // Shutterstock

Georgia

- 4th-grade math:
--- 75% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 235 (5-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 61% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 216 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 59% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 271 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 69% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 260 (2-point increase from 2003)

The coastline and luxury hotels and apartments in Honolulu.
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Hawaii

- 4th-grade math:
--- 77% at basic level, 37% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 237 (10-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 64% at basic level, 35% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 219 (11-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 58% at basic level, 22% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 270 (4-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 68% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (8-point increase from 2003)

Cars driving down Capitol Boulevard in Boise, Idaho.
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Idaho

- 4th-grade math:
--- 76% at basic level, 36% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 236 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 61% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 215 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 71% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 282 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 74% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 264 (no change from 2003)

Skyscrapers and Lake Michigan in Chicago.
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DiegoMariottini // Shutterstock

Illinois

- 4th-grade math:
--- 76% at basic level, 38% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 237 (4-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 62% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 218 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 62% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 275 (2-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 71% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 262 (4-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial view of Nappanee, Indiana, on a sunny day.
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Indiana

- 4th-grade math:
--- 78% at basic level, 40% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 239 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 63% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 217 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 66% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 279 (2-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 70% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 261 (4-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial view of Iowa City, Iowa, on a sunny day.
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Iowa

- 4th-grade math:
--- 80% at basic level, 40% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 240 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 64% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 218 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 67% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 277 (7-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 71% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 260 (8-point decrease from 2003)

A night view of buildings along a river in Wichita, Kansas.
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Kansas

- 4th-grade math:
--- 75% at basic level, 35% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 235 (7-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 60% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 215 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 61% at basic level, 23% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 272 (12-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 67% at basic level, 26% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 256 (10-point decrease from 2003)

Downtown Louisville, Kentucky, as seen at night.
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Kentucky

- 4th-grade math:
--- 75% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 234 (5-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 62% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 217 (2-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 57% at basic level, 21% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 269 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 68% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 258 (8-point decrease from 2003)

New Orleans near the water at dusk.
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Louisiana

- 4th-grade math:
--- 69% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 229 (3-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 57% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 212 (7-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 53% at basic level, 19% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 266 (no change from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 66% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 257 (4-point increase from 2003)

The waterfront with ferry's docked in Portland, Maine.
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Maine

- 4th-grade math:
--- 75% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 233 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 60% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 213 (11-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 61% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 273 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 66% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 257 (11-point decrease from 2003)

Pedestrians strolling on a boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland.
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eurobanks // Shutterstock

Maryland

- 4th-grade math:
--- 65% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 229 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 56% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 212 (7-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 54% at basic level, 25% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 269 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 67% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (3-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial view of downtown Boston at dusk.
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Massachusetts

- 4th-grade math:
--- 79% at basic level, 43% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 242 (no change from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 70% at basic level, 43% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 227 (1-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 70% at basic level, 35% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 284 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 77% at basic level, 40% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 269 (4-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial view of downtown Deroit at dusk.
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Michigan

- 4th-grade math:
--- 71% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 232 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 58% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 212 (7-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 60% at basic level, 25% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 273 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 68% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (5-point decrease from 2003)

The downtown Minneapolis skyline as seen at night.
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Minnesota

- 4th-grade math:
--- 78% at basic level, 41% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 239 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 61% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 215 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 69% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 280 (11-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 72% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 260 (8-point decrease from 2003)

A parking garage and buildings in downtown Jackson, Mississippi.
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Mississippi

- 4th-grade math:
--- 74% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 234 (11-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 63% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 217 (12-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 54% at basic level, 18% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 266 (5-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 63% at basic level, 22% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 253 (2-point decrease from 2003)

The St. Louis Gateway Arch in Missouri.
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Paul Brady Photography // Shutterstock

Missouri

- 4th-grade math:
--- 72% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 232 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 60% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 213 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 61% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 272 (7-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 67% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 258 (9-point decrease from 2003)

Buildings in Billings, Montana, with scenic hills in the background.
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Montana

- 4th-grade math:
--- 80% at basic level, 38% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 239 (3-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 65% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 219 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 68% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 277 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 72% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 261 (9-point decrease from 2003)

Train tracks as seen outside Omaha, Nebraska, at night.
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Nebraska

- 4th-grade math:
--- 80% at basic level, 43% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 242 (6-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 65% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 219 (2-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 68% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 279 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 70% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (7-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial View of Carson City, Nevada.
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Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock

Nevada

- 4th-grade math:
--- 69% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 229 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 57% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 212 (5-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 56% at basic level, 21% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 269 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 68% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (7-point increase from 2003)

The skyline in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire, at dusk.
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New Hampshire

- 4th-grade math:
--- 80% at basic level, 40% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 239 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 67% at basic level, 37% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 223 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 70% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 279 (7-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 73% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 263 (8-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial view of Jersey City, New Jersey, at sunset.
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f11photo // Shutterstock

New Jersey

- 4th-grade math:
--- 77% at basic level, 39% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 239 (no change from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 67% at basic level, 38% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 223 (2-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 67% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 281 (no change from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 77% at basic level, 42% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 270 (2-point increase from 2003)

Residential suburbs in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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turtix // Shutterstock

New Mexico

- 4th-grade math:
--- 60% at basic level, 19% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 221 (2-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 48% at basic level, 21% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 202 (1-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 45% at basic level, 13% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 57% at basic level, 18% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 248 (4-point decrease from 2003)

A cityscape view of Lower Manhattan in New York CIty.
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GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

New York

- 4th-grade math:
--- 66% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 227 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 58% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 214 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 60% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 274 (6-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 70% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 262 (3-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial view of Charlotte, North Carolina, on a sunny day.
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Canva

North Carolina

- 4th-grade math:
--- 75% at basic level, 35% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 236 (6-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 61% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 216 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 61% at basic level, 25% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 274 (7-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 66% at basic level, 26% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 256 (6-point decrease from 2003)

Buildings in Fargo, North Dakota, as seen at night.
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North Dakota

- 4th-grade math:
--- 81% at basic level, 40% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 240 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 65% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 218 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 69% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 278 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 69% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 258 (12-point decrease from 2003)

The river leading into Columbus, Ohio, at night.
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Ohio

- 4th-grade math:
--- 76% at basic level, 40% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 238 (no change from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 65% at basic level, 35% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 219 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 64% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 276 (6-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 71% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 262 (5-point decrease from 2003)

Buildings along US Route 66 in Oklahoma.
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TLF Images // Shutterstock

Oklahoma

- 4th-grade math:
--- 71% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 229 (no change from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 55% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 208 (6-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 52% at basic level, 16% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 264 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 62% at basic level, 21% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 251 (11-point decrease from 2003)

Portland, Oregon, at sunset with a mountain in the background.
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Canva

Oregon

- 4th-grade math:
--- 66% at basic level, 29% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 228 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 56% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 210 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 57% at basic level, 22% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 270 (11-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 67% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 257 (7-point decrease from 2003)

The Pittsburgh skyline as viewed from the hills.
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Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

Pennsylvania

- 4th-grade math:
--- 76% at basic level, 40% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 238 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 64% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 219 (no change from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 62% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 274 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 68% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (5-point decrease from 2003)

Building, boats, and docks at old harbor in Newport, Rhode Island.
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Ramunas Bruzas // Shutterstock

Rhode Island

- 4th-grade math:
--- 74% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 234 (4-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 62% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 217 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 58% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 270 (2-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 68% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 259 (2-point decrease from 2003)

The scenic river view and waterfront houses in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
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PQK // Shutterstock

South Carolina

- 4th-grade math:
--- 74% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 234 (2-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 61% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 216 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 56% at basic level, 22% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 269 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 63% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 254 (4-point decrease from 2003)

The western suburbs of Rapid City, South Dakota.
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Hank Shiffman // Shutterstock

South Dakota

- 4th-grade math:
--- 80% at basic level, 40% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 239 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 65% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 218 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 72% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 281 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 73% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 262 (8-point decrease from 2003)

Cars parked along the street in Johnson City, Tennessee.
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Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock

Tennessee

- 4th-grade math:
--- 76% at basic level, 36% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 236 (8-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 59% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 214 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 60% at basic level, 25% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 272 (4-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 67% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 258 (no change from 2003)

An aerial view of Austin and Lady Bird Lake.
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Roschetzky Photography // Shutterstock

Texas

- 4th-grade math:
--- 78% at basic level, 38% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 239 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 58% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 214 (1-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 61% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 273 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 66% at basic level, 23% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 255 (4-point decrease from 2003)

Downtown Ogden, Utah, as seen at night.
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Canva

Utah

- 4th-grade math:
--- 78% at basic level, 42% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 240 (5-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 67% at basic level, 37% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 221 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 70% at basic level, 35% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 282 (1-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 75% at basic level, 36% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 265 (1-point increase from 2003)

Buildings lining a street in downtown Burlington, Vermont.
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Canva

Vermont

- 4th-grade math:
--- 74% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 234 (8-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 62% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 217 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 66% at basic level, 27% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 276 (10-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 73% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 264 (7-point decrease from 2003)

The skyline of Richmond, Virginia, at sunset.
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Canva

Virginia

- 4th-grade math:
--- 75% at basic level, 38% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 236 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 60% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 214 (9-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 65% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 279 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 69% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 260 (8-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial view of Seattle with the Space Needle in the foreground.
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Canva

Washington

- 4th-grade math:
--- 74% at basic level, 35% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 235 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 61% at basic level, 34% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 217 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 64% at basic level, 28% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 276 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 71% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 262 (2-point decrease from 2003)

An aerial view of Washington DC, centered on the Washington Monument.
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Canva

Washington DC

- 4th-grade math:
--- 57% at basic level, 24% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 223 (18-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 50% at basic level, 26% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 207 (19-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 46% at basic level, 16% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 260 (17-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 57% at basic level, 22% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 250 (11-point increase from 2003)

An aerial view of downtown Charleston, West Virginia, at sunset.
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Canva

West Virginia

- 4th-grade math:
--- 67% at basic level, 23% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 226 (5-point decrease from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 52% at basic level, 22% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 205 (14-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 48% at basic level, 15% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 260 (11-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 60% at basic level, 22% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 249 (11-point decrease from 2003)

Madison, Wisconsin, as viewed from across the water on a bright, sunny day.
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Canva

Wisconsin

- 4th-grade math:
--- 79% at basic level, 43% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 240 (3-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 63% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 217 (4-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 70% at basic level, 33% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 281 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 72% at basic level, 32% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 262 (4-point decrease from 2003)

Buildings in Casper, Wyoming, as seen at night.
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Canva

Wyoming

- 4th-grade math:
--- 84% at basic level, 44% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 243 (2-point increase from 2003)
- 4th-grade reading:
--- 71% at basic level, 38% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 225 (3-point increase from 2003)
- 8th-grade math:
--- 72% at basic level, 31% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 281 (3-point decrease from 2003)
- 8th-grade reading:
--- 71% at basic level, 30% proficient
--- 2022 average score: 261 (6-point decrease from 2003)

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