Explore Results for the 2022 NAEP Mathematics Assessment
In 2022, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics assessment was administered to representative samples of fourth- and eighth-grade students in the nation, states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Department of Defense schools, and 26 participating large urban districts. The mathematics assessment at grade 12 was last administered nationally in 2019. The assessments measured students' knowledge and skills in mathematics and their ability to solve problems in mathematical and real-world contexts. Students also answered survey questions asking about their opportunities to learn about and engage in mathematics inside and outside of school.
How Did Students Perform in Mathematics?
In 2022, average mathematics scores for the nation were lower by 5 points at fourth grade and lower by 8 points at eighth grade compared to scores in 2019. Average scores at grades 4 and 8 were higher compared to the first assessment in 1990. Download a summary of the 2022 mathematics results.
Figure Trend in fourth-grade mathematics average scores
Detailed mathematics assessment results
More detailed mathematics assessment results are available throughout this Report Card.
National results
Average scores
Student group scores and score gaps
Achievement-level results
State results
Average scores
Student group scores
Achievement-level results
District results
Average scores
Student group scores
Achievement-level results
More
About the mathematics assessment
The NAEP mathematics assessment measures students' knowledge and skills in mathematics and students' ability to apply their knowledge in problem-solving situations.
- The NAEP mathematics assessment framework specifies the mathematical content assessed at grades 4, 8, and 12. At grades 4 and 8, the assessment measures five content areas: number properties and operations; measurement; geometry; data analysis, statistics, and probability; and algebra. At grade 12, the measurement and geometry content areas are combined into one for reporting purposes to reflect the fact that most measurement topics suitable for grade 12 students are geometric in nature. Changes to the grade 12 NAEP mathematics framework in 2005 necessitated the start of a new trend line beginning with the 2005 mathematics assessment.
- The assessment included selected-response and constructed-response questions. Short constructed-response questions required students to give either a numerical result or the correct name or classification for a group of mathematical objects, draw an example of a given concept, or write a brief explanation for a result. Extended constructed-response questions have more parts to the response and required students to provide more than a numerical response or a short verbal communication.
Figure Assessment design and administration information in the NAEP mathematics assessment: 2019 and 2022
| Grade 4 | Grade 8 | Grade 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment period | January to March 2022 | January to March 2022 | January to March 2019 |
| Student participation | 116,200 | 111,000 | 25,400 |
| School participation | 5,780 | 5,190 | 1,770 |
| Cognitive testing time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Reported results | Based on student performance on digitally based assessment | Based on student performance on digitally based assessment | Based on combined student performance on paper-based assessment and digitally based assessment |
| Survey questionnaires | Administered to students, teachers, and school administrators | Administered to students, teachers, and school administrators | Administered to students and school administrators |
NAEP as an indicator of academic preparedness
Grade 12 is a critical transition point for most American students. Since NAEP is the only source of nationally representative results of twelfth-grade student achievement, the National Assessment Governing Board (the Governing Board) has been conducting research on the potential of NAEP at grade 12 to serve as an indicator of academic preparedness for college. The research results to date support inferences about NAEP performance and academic preparedness for college at the national level. Read more about the Governing Board's preparedness research.
The Story of NAEP
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a continuing and nationally representative measure of trends in academic achievement of U.S. elementary and secondary students in various subjects. It is the largest continuing and nationally representative assessment of what our nation's students know and can do in select subjects. It was first administered in 1969 to measure student achievement nationally. Teachers, principals, parents, policymakers, and researchers all use NAEP results to assess progress and develop ways to improve education in the United States.