Data Shows Worrying Downward Trend In Texas Testing Scores For Two Big Subjects

Texas schools are very important to the overall growth of the state's youth. But much like everything in life, schooling in the state has its ups and downs. Recent data from 2024 shows things aren't looking good for two big subjects.

How Was The Data Collected For Texas Schools?

As revealed by the Texas Tribune, The National Assessment of Educational Progress recently took place. This occurs every two years, with fourth and eighth graders being the area of focus testing overall. In total, around 5% of students in Texas were included in the estimated 240,000 that were part of the examinations.

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Following the testing, some eyebrows were raised at the falling of points in certain subjects.

Which Subject Suffered Losses According the NAEP?

Texas showed slight losses in two subjects, math and reading. According to the collected data, eighth graders in the state suffered a 4 point decrease in math scores. This isn't new, as the downward trend has been happening since 2011.

But in the opposite direction, fourth grade math scores in Texas rose by 2 points, so there is some positives to be shown. But, reading was another story for both grades in Texas.

Both fourth graders and eighth graders in Texas saw a slippage in reading scores. Fourth graders suffered a 2 point loss, and eight graders saw a 3 point slip as well.

What Was The Reaction To The Lower Scores?

In a statement from the Education Policy Adviser for Texas 2036, Gabe Grantham said:

“These results highlight the continued challenges our students face in literacy and numeracy and should sound the alarm for school leaders and policymakers alike...While we are encouraged by slight gains in fourth-grade math, the overall picture is clear — Texas students need more support from both schools and the state to build strong reading and math foundations.”

How that state will address the decrease has not been revealed as of yet.