Idaho student test scores still haven’t overcome pandemic dips, but top national averages
Idaho students have demonstrated minimal academic growth in reading and math, according to the most recent results from a federal exam dubbed “The Nation’s Report Card.”
Fourth and eighth grade reading and math proficiency levels have either stagnated or declined with one exception — fourth-grade math results are on the upswing.
The results indicate students are “holding steady,” and reflect national trends, the Idaho Department of Education said in a press release. But the IDE also highlighted several areas where Idaho test-takers outperformed national averages.
That is one bright spot: Idaho fourth and eighth graders had higher proficiency rates than their national peers in reading and math, according to the 2024 results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
Across the country, the exam results are already ringing alarm bells, with national education outlets characterizing them as “bad news” and “sobering.”
In Idaho, State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield said the results show “opportunities to improve” but also indicate some successes.
Below, we’ll take a look at Idaho’s math and reading results over time and compared to national averages.
First, keep in mind that a relatively small number of Idaho students take the NAEP exam — about 1,800 across 90 schools in 2024.
That’s compared to the 86,000 students who took Idaho’s reading exam in fall 2024, and the approximately 165,000 students who took the English portion of the Idaho Standards Achievement Test in spring 2024.
Idaho’s fourth grade math proficiency levels increased in 2024, approaching pre-pandemic levels. About 41% of test takers were proficient in math, as compared to 36% in 2022, the last time the test was administered.
However, the eighth grade math proficiency rate declined and is at its lowest in a decade. Even so, both rates are still higher than the national average.
“We see both opportunities and successes in Idaho’s math results,” Critchfield said in a press release.
She acknowledged the gaps in math outcomes and said the IDE is working with the State Board of Education to develop essential math standards and better prepare classroom educators.
“Seeing our students consistently outperform nationwide scores is encouraging and reflective of the priorities we have made in reading and math and getting back to basics,” she said.
Idaho’s fourth grade reading proficiency rate dropped to its lowest level in a decade. Just 32% of fourth grade test takers were reading at grade level in 2024, as compared to 36% in 2022.
Eighth grade reading proficiency stagnated, with no change between 2022 and 2024.
Once again, Idaho’s proficiency rates were still higher than national averages.
“Though there are obvious opportunities to improve reading scores for these assessed grades, Idaho shows solid performance when compared to national scores,” Critchfield said. “As our educators continue to receive training in the Science of Reading and effective dyslexia interventions, we will see improvements, especially in comparison with the rest of the nation.”