“Today’s NAEP results show that education is still not a balanced equation for all students. And for traditionally underserved students, the numbers are only getting worse,” said Gov. Wise.
WASHINGTON, DC – Results released today on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card, show that the national average math score for twelfth graders was 1 point lower in 2015 than 2013 while the average reading score was not significantly different. In math, only 12 percent of Hispanic high school seniors and 7 percent of African American high school seniors—compared to 32 percent of white high school seniors—scored at or above “proficient.” In response, Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia, made the following statement:
“Today’s NAEP results show that education is still not a balanced equation for all students. And for traditionally underserved students, the numbers are only getting worse.
“These results come at a unique time when states have the opportunity to develop strong responses since the nation’s new education law—the Every Student Succeeds Act—gives them more flexibility to identify low-performing students and develop meaningful interventions.
“If there is any good news, it is that the high school graduation rate has improved, but more diplomas without adequate math and reading preparation is not a formula for success for students or the nation.”
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The Alliance for Excellent Education is a Washington, DC–based national policy and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all students, particularly those traditionally underserved, graduate from high school ready for success in college, work, and citizenship. www.all4ed.org
