PRESS RELEASE: NAEP 2024: D.C. Students Show Progress but Still Trail National Averages—Education Reform Now D.C. Urges Bold Investment in Proven Strategies

NAEP 2024 Scores Show Some Progress for D.C. Students, Remain Below National Averages

Education Reform Now D.C. Calls for Increased Investment in Proven Strategies 

Washington, D.C. (January 29, 2025) — Today, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCEP) released results from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Mathematics and Reading Assessments for Grades 4 and 8. The results reveal that D.C. students continue to perform significantly below the national averages across all four assessments, with alarming gaps between racial groups. The data indicates improvement across the four assessments, with the most gains in fourth-grade math, where D.C. tied for greatest improvement nationwide. 

“While we are not where we want to be, these scores highlight that our students are making meaningful progress toward meeting national averages,” said Jessica Giles, executive director of Education Reform Now D.C. (ERN D.C.) “We need to accelerate our efforts and fully fund evidence-based initiatives that build foundational skills in math and reading.” 

ERN D.C. is calling on the Mayor and D.C. Council to fund in the FY 2026 budget:

1. A comprehensive statewide plan to strengthen math instruction that includes high-quality instruction materials and professional development, math coaches, parent support, and high-impact tutoring.

1. Structured literacy training for all elementary school educators. Last year’s budget only provided funding for kindergarten educators in up to 20 schools. Proven, evidence-based reading instruction is critical to ensuring every child can develop foundational literacy skills, and it should be available to all District students.

With the full support of the Mayor and D.C. Council, the District can continue its trajectory of educational improvement and ensure that all students succeed in life, school, and their future career.

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About Education Reform Now D.C.

ERN D.C. is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. We seek progress in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination.