Tennessee – The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released the 2024 Nation’s Report Card, showing Tennessee students exceeding national averages in reading and math. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which evaluates student achievement across selected schools, indicated improvements among the state’s 4th and 8th graders.

The latest results marked Tennessee’s second NAEP assessment since 2019, with the percentage of students meeting grade-level expectations rising in both subjects. Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds credited the progress to dedicated educators and investments by Governor Bill Lee and the General Assembly while acknowledging the need for continued efforts.

Key findings from the 2024 NAEP results include:
– **4th grade reading**: 32% proficiency, a two-point increase from 2022, surpassing the national average of 30%.
– **8th grade reading**: 32% proficiency, a four-point increase from 2022, exceeding the national average of 29%.
– **4th grade math**: 42% proficiency, a six-point increase from 2022, outpacing the national average of 40%.
– **8th grade math**: 31% proficiency, a seven-point increase from 2022, surpassing the national average of 27%.

The results also highlighted notable gains among English learners and male students across multiple categories, while students with disabilities showed mixed results. Tennessee education officials continue to emphasize targeted interventions and support to sustain academic growth.