The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results are in, and the data highlights an urgent need for stronger reading support in classrooms nationwide. The findings reveal continued declines in student reading proficiency, underscoring the lasting effects of recent educational disruptions.
What the 2024 NAEP Report Found
Fourth-grade reading scores continue to drop. The average reading score for fourth-grade students has fallen by 2 points since 2022 and by 5 points since 2019. Only 30% of public school students in fourth grade performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level—marking a concerning decline. Even more troubling, the percentage of students scoring below the NAEP Basic level has increased, meaning more students are struggling with fundamental reading skills.
Eighth-grade students face similar challenges. In 2024, just 29% of eighth-grade students reached the Proficient level, showing no improvement from recent years. Even more alarming, one-third of eighth graders scored below the NAEP Basic level, the highest percentage of struggling readers in over 30 years.
The achievement gap is widening. Lower-performing students are falling further behind, while higher-performing students maintain or slightly improve their scores. This growing disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions and differentiated instruction to support struggling readers.
How ReadTheory Helps Address These Challenges
The NAEP results make it clear: educators need effective, scalable solutions to support reading growth. This is where ReadTheory truly shines. Our platform creates a personalized, high-frequency, low-stakes learning environment where students can improve at their own pace.
With automatic differentiation, ReadTheory adjusts reading levels to meet each student’s unique needs. Whether a student is excelling or struggling, they receive reading passages at the right level, building their confidence and fostering steady progress.
For teachers, our powerful reporting tools provide instant insights into student performance, making it easy to track growth, pinpoint struggles, and guide targeted interventions. Educators can quickly see which students need extra support and tailor instruction accordingly.
The Best Part? It’s Free to Get Started
Teachers can sign up for free, and students can take a quick pretest to determine their starting level. From there, they receive personalized reading practice that adapts as they improve—helping them build the skills they need for state assessments and beyond.
Scalable Solutions for Schools & Districts
With automatic differentiation and detailed reporting, administrators can easily track progress, support intervention efforts, and improve reading outcomes on a larger scale. ReadTheory’s school and district plans offer enhanced features, including data-driven insights, seamless LMS integration, and priority support—ensuring educators have the tools they need to drive measurable growth
The 2024 NAEP results are a wake-up call, but they don’t have to define the future. With the right tools and support, we can help students regain lost ground and move toward a future where reading anxiety is a thing of the past.
