National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Understanding Nevada’s 2009 Results for Mathematics

NAEP, also known as the Nation’s Report Card, is a nationally representative assessment of student performance in several content areas including reading, mathematics, science, and writing. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. NAEP results are reported as both an average scale score, and at four different achievement levels: Below Basic, At or Above Basic, At or Above Proficient, and Advanced. Results for mathematics were recently released. CCSD makes up over 70% of the students taking the NAEP assessment in Nevada.

Nevada Students Show Consistent Gains

• While the National Public average scale score in 2009 did not increase significantly from 2007, Nevada was one of only five states showing gains in both 4^th and 8^th grades.
• Nevada was one of only eight states showing significant improvement in 4^th grade performance and one of only 16 states showing significant improvement in 8^th grade performance.
• Nevada’s scores also show gains in relation to other states. Since 2007, Nevada has moved up five places in the 50-state ranking of 8^th grade students At or Above Basic, from 44^th to 39^th.

Nevada 4^th Grade Performance Improves Overall and in Specific Groups

• English Language Learner/Limited English Proficient (ELL/LEP) – Nevada’s average scale score in 2009 (220) was dramatically higher than in 2007 (209).
• Significant gains were seen in the percentage of 4^th grade students At or Above Basic (from 45% to 61%); At or Above Proficient category grew from 7% to 12%.
• Below Basic dropped from 55% to 39%.
• Students qualifying for free or reduced lunch – Nevada’s average scale score rose to 226, significantly greater than in any previous year.
• At or Above Basic grew to 69%, significantly greater than any previous year.
• Below Basic dropped to 31%, significantly lower than in any previous year.
• Hispanic students – Nevada’s average scale score of 227 was significantly higher than any previous year.
• 70% of students performing At or Above Basic; corresponding decrease to 30% in the proportion of students performing Below Basic, lower than any previous year.

Nevada 8^th Graders Also Continue to Improve

• Average scores of the 8^th Grade Hispanic population rose from 257 to 262.
• Average scores of the 8^th Grade White population rose from 282 to 287.
• Average scores of the 8^th Grade African American population rose from 255 to 256.