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Louisiana made significant gains on a closely watched national test. Its fourth graders led the country in reading progress, and the state climbed to its highest national ranking.

Overall, Louisiana ranked 32nd in the assessment known as “the nation’s report card,” which 4th and 8th-grade students took last year. Historically positioned near the bottom of the rankings, Louisiana was rated 49th five years ago.

According to results released Wednesday, the state’s fourth graders made significant progress in reading, rising from 42nd place in 2022 to 16th last year. Meanwhile, eighth graders maintained steady scores and improved their national ranking by 10 spots to 29th.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, NAEP, is administered biennially to students in all states. It uniquely measures student learning nationwide. 

Louisiana was among only a few states where students in both grades made gains. It was also one of just two states where fourth graders’ scores exceeded their pre-pandemic levels in math and reading. Even so, other states continue to struggle with learning gaps caused by the pandemic.

Officials attribute Louisiana’s reading gains to policies changing teacher training and student reading instruction.

“This is a historic achievement for our state and underscores the dedication of teachers and a laser focus on fundamental academic skills,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “While we are obviously pleased, we are not completely satisfied as there is more work to accomplish.”

In 2022, Louisiana’s fourth graders improved their reading scores the last time they took the test, even as students nationwide faced the largest-ever declines in reading and particularly in math. Louisiana was one of only five states to achieve reading gains that year.

“These results demonstrate the power of a strong academic foundation and a relentless focus on academic excellence,” said Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Vice President Stacey Melerine. “I’m especially encouraged to see students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outpacing their national peers for growth and achievement.”

Students with disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Louisiana also improved their reading and math scores, achieving more significant gains than their peers nationwide.

Louisiana has implemented several programs and initiatives to build on its recent progress.

A new K-3 literacy screener aims to identify early reading challenges. Louisiana also introduces a K-3 math screener and statewide teacher training for foundational math instruction.

Louisiana’s new accountability system aims to enhance academic standards, improve career education, and clarify school performance for the public. Experts call it the strongest in the nation, effective next school year.