By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square

Louisiana has achieved its highest ever ranking in fourth grade reading and made significant progress in math rankings, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress report, commonly known as the Nation’s Report Card.

Gov. Jeff Landry and state education officials announced that Louisiana has moved from 43rd to 32nd in the national rankings, marking an 11-spot improvement.

The NAEP, widely considered the gold standard for assessing student achievement across states, measures proficiency in reading and math among fourth- and eighth-graders.

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley highlighted the significance of the improvements, particularly in literacy, at a Wednesday news conference.

“For the second consecutive NAEP cycle, Louisiana led the nation in fourth grade reading growth,” Brumley said. “We’ve achieved this by implementing the science of reading, using a phonics-based approach, integrating rich texts, and emphasizing high-dosage tutoring.”

Fourth graders have made an impressive gain of 34 points in reading, now ranking 16th in the nation. Eighth graders have improved 16 points, now ranking 29th in the nation.

Math education is also showing gains. Louisiana is now in the top five states for fourth grade math growth, a jump attributed to renewed emphasis on core math skills, including the distribution of traditional flashcards to every elementary classroom in the state.  Currently, the state ranks 38th, a six-point increase since 2022.

Eighth grade students have improved by six points since 2019, now ranking 43rd.

“Never has our state ranked higher in fourth grade reading, but also never has our state ranked higher in fourth grade math or eighth grade reading or eighth grade math,” Brumley said

Despite the gains, Louisiana remains two points below the national average in mathematics for fourth grade students.

Brumley also pointed to gains made among disabled students.

“Students with disabilities in Louisiana are outperforming their national peers, and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are exceeding the national average,” he noted. “We are one of only two states where fourth graders have surpassed pre-pandemic levels in both reading and math.”

State officials attribute these gains to collaborative efforts between the governor’s office, the legislature, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and educators across Louisiana. They credit policy changes such as improved teacher training, increased access to intervention programs, and a focus on tutoring.

Both Landry and Brumley acknowledged that more work remains.

“Unfortunately, today, too many kids in the state can’t read on level, can’t do math on level, or are in a school that’s failing them, and those are things that we have to change.” Brumley continued. “Improvement isn’t always linear. There are hills and valleys on the course to the peak.”

“These results demonstrate the power of a strong academic foundation and a relentless focus on academic excellence,” said Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Vice President Stacey Melerine. “I’m especially encouraged to see students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outpacing their national peers for growth and achievement.”