Economic Navigator: 2025 Release of Nation’s Report Card Scores Shows Little to No Improvement in National Student Math and Reading Scores
Published March 12, 2025
Early reading and mathematics performance scores are some of the strongest indicators of a student’s future success. While assistive learning can help bring students to grade level in later learning years, early intervention is the most effective. Reading and math proficiency is necessary for all career paths and is crucial for key skills such as financial literacy and career navigation.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report measures fourth and eighth grade student outcomes in reading and mathematics nationally, both math and reading assessments scores for fourth and eighth grade students are lower in the most recent assessments than they were in 2020.¹
Georgia matches national proficiency levels in fourth grade reading performance but falls behind in eighth grade math performance. Only 30% of Georgia’s fourth grade students read at or above grade-level proficiency, and only 24% of Georgia’s eighth grade students perform at or above grade-level proficiency in mathematics.² Nationally, 30% of fourth grade students perform at or above grade-level proficiency in reading, and 27% percent of eighth grade students perform at or above grade-level in mathematics.¹
As a nation, fourth grade reading levels have gone relatively stagnant or worsened, with only 10 states notably above the national rate. Georgia falls in line with the national rate in fourth grade reading performance, but Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee do all maintain higher performance levels.²
However, most Southeastern states, including Georgia, fall below national performance rates in eighth grade math. Only Tennessee and North Carolina perform notably higher.² Promisingly, state-level Georgia milestone scores indicate that math levels are improving³, but improvement in these core subject areas is still needed for students to be best prepared for future career opportunities.
Mentorship and Community Partnerships
Partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to establish mentorship programs focused on reading fluency and math confidence. Organizations such as Get Comfortable in Athens demonstrate how local partnerships can drive educational improvement.
Expand High-Quality Early Literacy and Numeracy Programs
Increase state and local investments in evidence-based early literacy and numeracy programs, such as Science of Reading-aligned instruction and structured math interventions. Targeted efforts such as in Marietta School System, have demonstrated unique success.
Develop and Expand Parent and Caregiver Education Programs
Equip parents with resources and training to support reading and math fluency at home, particularly in under-resourced communities. Research shows that parental involvement improves early literacy and numeracy outcomes. Businesses like Cox are engaging education instructors, leaders and students. Learn more HERE.
Strengthen Teacher Training and Professional Development
Encourage all educators, especially in elementary and middle school, to receive continuing professional development in research-backed literacy and numeracy instruction. Visit georgiareads.org for success stories and more information.
Proactively providing resources and support students attainment of grade-level proficiency in key learning milestones is critical in supporting early career pathways. If students can focus on mastery of content and application of content, this creates more avenues for career success.
The Georgia Chamber Foundation dedicates itself to producing in-depth economic analyses and actionable insights for Georgia’s businesses. Our mission is to develop policy, equip businesses, and foster economic development across the state, ensuring a prosperous future for all Georgians.
To read our newly released 2025 Economic Competitiveness Redbook click HERE.
To read our most recent Quarterly Report click HERE.
The Georgia Chamber Foundation’s Annual Future of Energy & Sustainability Event will take place on May 1st at the Coca-Cola Headquarters in Atlanta. Register now HERE.
Join us for our Future of Small Business event on June 18 at Fall Line Station in Macon, GA. Register now HERE.
The 2025 Georgia state-level competition for the National Civics Bee will be held at the Carter Center on June 27. For more information, contact scamuso@gachamber.com.
