Explore Results for the 2024 NAEP Reading Assessment at Grade 12
Lower average reading score for twelfth-graders in 2024 than in 2019
In 2024, the average reading score for the nation at grade 12 was 3 points lower than in 2019. Compared to the first reading assessment in 1992, the average score was 10 points lower in 2024. NAEP scores are also reported at five selected percentiles to show score trends by lower- (10th and 25th percentiles), middle- (50th percentile), and higher- (75th and 90th percentiles) performing students. Compared to 2019, scores were lower at all selected percentiles except for the 90th percentile.
Please note that reported differences between scores or between percentages are discussed only when they are statistically significant differences (for example, “higher/lower” or "increase/decrease").
The chart below shows the trends in the average score and scores for lower- and higher-performing students. Explore detailed average score results and results for all five selected percentiles on the National Trends and Student Skills page.
Figure Average and selected percentile scores in NAEP reading for twelfth-grade students: Various years, 1992‒2024
Key Findings
Key findings from the 2024 grade 12 reading assessment are provided below. Click the links below the findings to explore the full set of performance results as well as information about students’ educational opportunities.
Lower percentage of twelfth-graders at or above NAEP Proficient and higher percentage below NAEP Basic in reading compared to 2019
NAEP achievement levels at grade 12 are performance standards that represent what students should know and be able to do. Results are reported as percentages of students performing at or above three achievement levels (NAEP Basic, NAEP Proficient, and NAEP Advanced). In 2018, the National Assessment Governing Board issued a revised Policy Statement clarifying that the NAEP Proficient achievement level does not represent grade-level proficiency as determined by other assessment standards (e.g., state or district assessments).
Examples of reading skills twelfth-grade students are likely able to demonstrate:
- At the NAEP Basic level, students likely can locate and identify relevant details in the text in order to support literal comprehension.
- At the NAEP Proficient level, students likely can connect key details within and across texts and use those details to draw complex inferences about author's purpose, tone, word choice, and related ideas.
- At the NAEP Advanced level, students likely can evaluate the effectiveness of an author's claims, organization, and selection of ideas and evidence used.
Learn more about NAEP achievement levels.
Lower average reading score for female twelfth-graders reflected in declines at the 25th and 75th percentiles compared to 2019; no average score decline for male twelfth-graders
Student absenteeism among twelfth-grade students higher compared to 2019
Other NAEP Resources
Several additional resources are available via the “Details” links below to explore NAEP data and perform customized analyses of student performance. Visit the Experiences and Opportunities in Education Dashboard for NAEP survey questionnaire results related to learning recovery. Visit the NAEP Questions Tool to access over 3,000 released questions from NAEP assessments in a variety of subject areas. Visit the NAEP Data Explorer to conduct more in-depth exploration of NAEP results.
Experiences and Opportunities in Education Dashboard
NAEP Questions Tool
NAEP Data Explorer
About the Grade 12 reading Assessment
The NAEP reading assessment framework defines reading as a dynamic cognitive process that involves understanding written text, developing and interpreting meaning, and using meaning appropriately for text type and purpose.
- The NAEP reading framework specifies the use of literary and informational texts to measure students' comprehension skills. The proportion of literary and informational texts varies by grade, with a greater proportion of literary texts at grade 4 and a greater proportion of informational texts at grades 8 and 12.
- Students read grade-appropriate texts reflecting many content areas and respond to both selected-response and constructed-response questions about the texts they read. By design, the texts used in the assessment require interpretive and critical skills. The reading skills assessed are those that students use in all subject areas in school as well as in their out-of-school reading. Learn more about the NAEP reading framework.
Table Assessment design and administration information for the NAEP grade 12 reading assessment: 2024
| Assessment period | January to March 2024 |
|---|---|
| Number of students assessed | 24,300 |
| Number of schools assessed | 1,500 |
| Cognitive testing time | 60 minutes |
| Reported results | Based on student performance on either Microsoft Surface Pro tablets or Chromebooks |
| Survey questionnaires | Administered to students and school administrators |
The Story of NAEP
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the largest continuing and nationally representative measure of trends in academic achievement of U.S. elementary and secondary students in various 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.
In 2024, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) administered the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading assessment to a nationally representative sample of twelfth-grade students. The 2024 reading assessment included literary and informational texts to assess students' reading comprehension skills. Students also answered survey questions about their opportunities to learn and their engagement with reading in and outside of school.