National Average Scores

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Overall Score Results

Lower average mathematics score for fourth-graders than in 2019

The average mathematics score for fourth-grade students in 2022 was 5 points lower than in 2019, the previous assessment year. The average mathematics score for fourth-grade students in 2022 was 23 points higher compared to the first assessment year in 1990. Average scores are reported on the NAEP mathematics scale at grade 4 that ranges from 0 to 500. 

The chart below shows the trend in average mathematics scores beginning in 1990 and the cut score indicating the lower end of the score range for each NAEP achievement level: NAEP Basic , NAEP Proficient , and NAEP Advanced . Read a description of each NAEP achievement level by clicking the question mark icons. Read more about NAEP achievement levels and how they are set. Please note, NAEP achievement levels are to be used on a trial basis and should be interpreted and used with caution.

Figure Trend in fourth-grade NAEP mathematics average scores
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Scalescore0100120140160180200220240260280300320500Assessment Year'90'92'96'00'03'05'07'09'11'13'15'17'19'22NAEPAdvancedNAEPProficientNAEPBasic'22<  Drag to change focal years  >
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Scores By Percentile

Lower mathematics scores than in 2019 for fourth-graders at all five selected percentiles  

NAEP reports scores at five selected percentiles to show the progress made by lower- (10th and 25th percentiles), middle- (50th percentile), and higher- (75th and 90th percentiles) performing students. In comparison to 2019, the 2022 mathematics scores were lower for fourth-grade students at all five selected percentiles. Overall, declines were larger for lower-performing students than for higher-performing students: the 7-point decline for students at the 10th percentile and the 6-point decline at the 25th percentile compared to 3-point and 2-point declines at the 75th and 90th percentiles, respectively. 

Figure Trend in fourth-grade NAEP mathematics scores at five selected percentiles
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Scalescore0100120140160180200220240260280300320500Assessment Year'90'92'96'00'03'05'07'09'11'13'15'17'19'22NAEPAdvancedNAEPProficientNAEPBasic'22<  Drag to change focal years  >
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Next page: National Student Group Scores and Score Gaps