NAEP 2022: The National Assessment of Education Progress shows largest decline in math scores ever.
Today’s headlines aren’t pretty when it comes to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results: “Largest score declines in NAEP mathematics at grades 4 and 8 since initial assessments in 1990.” “Scores decline in NAEP reading at grades 4 and 8 compared to 2019.”
While it’s impossible to make definitive statements based on any specific test, NAEP bills itself as the Nation’s Report Card and is the largest continuing and nationally representative assessment of student achievement in the nation. This gives its results added significance. Given the disruptions of the COVID-19 years, widespread drops in scores weren’t surprising.
One recurring question is the impact of remote vs. in‐person instruction. Harvard’s Martin West analyzed the relationship at the state level between the drop in eighth grade math test scores from 2019 to 2022 and the prevalence of remote instruction during the 2021–22 school year. He found the “relationship is negative (and statistically significant), suggesting that students lost more ground on average where remote instruction was more prevalent—but the relationship’s strength is relatively weak.” He estimates less than 10 percent of the decline in state test score changes can be explained by remote instruction.
Students at Catholic schools, the only private schools with NAEP scores, fared better overall. Scores held steady for 4th grade math, dropped less than public school scores in 4th grade reading and 8th grade math, and actually climbed a little in 8th grade reading. There were no areas where Catholic school scores fell more than those of public schools, and they started from higher levels.
There may be many explanations for these results, but Catholic schools being much more likely to provide in‐person instruction is probably a factor. This points to the need for more educational choice: Parents need access to schools that work best for their unique children, as well as the ability to make a change when necessary. And schools are more likely to deliver when parents can take their tuition dollars elsewhere.
It’s also important to recognize that people with differing education and health needs often needed different delivery methods—the debate should not be whether all schools should have been open or remote. A system of widespread education choice, which the country did not have, is the only way to effectively meet diverse needs.
While the NAEP results are generating plenty of headlines today, test scores are just one of many metrics that can be used to evaluate education. And when parents lack access to educational alternatives, test results aren’t likely to drive meaningful change. True accountability results from consumers—in this case, parents—being able to take their funding to another provider.
Whether it’s low test scores, academic climate, school safety, bullying, special needs, or a family’s values, expanding education choice is the way to ensure more children have access to an education that works for them.
Originally published by the Cato Institute. Republished with permission.
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