The National Center For Educational Standards…..

has come out with a new report that maps 2005 NAEP scores to state proficiency standards. The report looks at only math and reading scores for 4th and 8th graders. I hope this report is a big wake-up call to every single state in the USA.

In 4th grade reading only 32 states get looked at. Mississippi students need to score the least amount of points to be called proficient while Massachusetts students need the most points. Compared to the NAEP basic cut score only 8 states can beat it.

In 8th grade reading only 34 states got looked at. North Carolina students need to score the least amount of points to be called proficient while Wyoming students need the most points to be called proficient. Compared to the NAEP basic cut score 21 states meet or beat the mark with 4 states just below the mark.

in 4th math 33 states get looked at. Tennessee students need the least amount of points to be called proficient and Massachusetts students need the most points. 2 states can proudly say they pass the NAEP proficiency standards and another 25 states can say they meet or beat basic standards.

In 8th grade math 36 states get looked at. Tennessee students need the least amount of points to be called proficient while Missouri students need the most points. Compared to NAEP proficiency standards 3 states beat that mark while another 25 meet or beat basic standards.

States that can’t even have state educational standards that meet or beat at least NAEP basic cut off levels should be ashamed of themselves for the poor standards they have given to their students.

To me this report certainly showcases that we need national set standards. States are just too slow in changing standards for the better.