Maryland students are making strides in reading proficiency, climbing significantly in national rankings for both fourth and eighth-grade students. According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report, the state’s fourth graders moved from 40th place in 2022 to 20th in 2024. Eighth-grade students also showed improvement, rising from 25th to 21st in the same period.
State’s Commitment to the Science of Reading
Education leaders credit the gains to a renewed focus on evidence-based reading instruction. State Superintendent Carey Wright emphasized that Maryland’s 24 school districts have prioritized the “science of reading” approach, a method centered on phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary development.
“You’ve got teachers and leaders that have been out there working on this already. Hats off to them,” Wright said. She previously spearheaded a similar initiative in Mississippi, which led to major literacy gains in that state.
Maryland’s efforts received a boost from a four-year, $6.8 million grant from the nonprofit Ibis Group of Washington, D.C. The funding breakdown includes:
- $5.3 million for online training in reading instruction for paraprofessionals, teachers, and school staff.
- $1.5 million for research by Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland Department of Education, focusing on teacher efficacy and literacy leadership development.
How Maryland Compares Nationally
NAEP, often called the Nation’s Report Card, is a congressionally mandated assessment conducted every two years. It provides a standardized measure for comparing student achievement across states. Maryland students are evaluated in both reading and math at the fourth and eighth-grade levels. Science results are expected later this year.
Maryland’s fourth-grade students saw their average reading score rise from 212 in 2022 to 216 in 2024. Meanwhile, eighth-grade reading scores climbed to 258, though that was still one point lower than in 2022.
Despite these improvements, Maryland remains in the middle of the pack nationally. Some states have outpaced Maryland’s growth, but the upward trajectory is seen as a positive indicator.
Math Scores See Modest Gains
Reading isn’t the only subject where Maryland students are seeing changes. Math scores also saw slight improvements, though they remain below the national average.
Subject | Grade Level | 2022 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2022 Score | 2024 Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reading | 4th Grade | 40th | 20th | 212 | 216 |
Reading | 8th Grade | 25th | 21st | 259 | 258 |
Math | 4th Grade | 42nd | 39th | 229 | 234 |
Math | 8th Grade | 42nd | 38th | 269 | 268 |
Maryland’s fourth graders increased their average math score from 229 to 234, improving their national ranking from 42nd to 39th place. Eighth graders had a minor drop in scores, going from 269 in 2022 to 268 in 2024, but still climbed to 38th place in national rankings.
What’s Next for Maryland Schools?
Maryland education officials plan to expand literacy initiatives and refine math instruction strategies. The impact of these efforts will be clearer when science scores are released later this year, offering a broader look at student progress.
Wright remains optimistic, noting that sustained investment and instructional improvements could continue pushing Maryland’s students higher in the rankings. “It’s a long game,” she said. “But we’re seeing progress, and that matters.”
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