Understanding the 2024 NAEP Reading Assessment Results: A Reading Specialist's Perspective

The Big Picture: A Closer Look at 4th Grade Reading Performance

The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading results reveal a concerning trend in our children's reading development. Here's what parents need to understand:

Graph from The 2024 NAEP 4th Grade Reading Assessment Report

Key Findings

• The average reading score for 4th graders dropped by two points compared to 2022

• 31% of 4th graders performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level

• 40% of students performed below the NAEP Basic level

• Scores have remained relatively stable since 1992, with some nuanced changes

What Do These Numbers on the NAEP Report Really Mean?

The assessment shows a widening gap in reading skills. While top-performing students (90th percentile) maintained their performance, students at lower percentiles experienced more significant declines. This suggests an increasing divide in reading abilities among our young learners.

Why Are We Seeing These Results?

The reading challenges we're witnessing stem from several critical factors:

• Insufficient focus on foundational reading skills

• Lack of comprehensive phonological awareness training

• Inadequate early intervention strategies

• Potential learning disruptions from recent global events

  
  

How Can Parents Make a Difference?

1. Prioritize Phonological Awareness

What are Sound-Based Strategies? Sound-based strategies are techniques that help children understand how sounds make up words. Think of it like musical notes creating a melody—each sound is a building block of language. Here's how to practice:

• Break words into individual sounds (c-a-t)

• Play sound matching games (What other words start with the "b" sound?)

• Clap out syllables in words (But-ter-fly = 3 claps)

• Sing songs that emphasize rhyming and sound patterns

• Practice identifying the first, middle, and last sounds in words

2. Support Phonics Learning

• Use decodable books that match phonics skills

• Help children "sound out" new words

• Create flashcards that show letter combinations and their sounds

• Practice blending sounds smoothly (mmm-ah = ma)

3. Create a Reading-Rich Environment

• Read together daily

• Make reading fun and interactive

• Choose engaging, age-appropriate texts

• Discuss stories and ask comprehension questions

4. Early Intervention is Key

• Don't wait if you notice reading difficulties

• Consult with teachers and reading specialists

• Consider targeted reading support programs

Looking Forward: Building Strong Readers

These results are not a verdict but a call to action. By understanding the importance of foundational reading skills and providing targeted support, we can help our children become confident, capable readers.

Remember: Every child's reading journey is unique. Patience, consistent support, and the right strategies can make all the difference.

Working to build strong readers,

Taylor Sofranko-Sutherland

Founder, TAS Literacy

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Want more insights and strategies? Learn how to build foundational reading skills here.