What percentage of students in New York are proficient in math?
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About 37% of 4th graders and 26% of 8th graders in New York were considered proficient in math in 2024, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The NAEP, also known as the Nation's Report Card, assesses 4th and 8th graders' progress in reading and math approximately every two years. Students in public, private, and charter schools are included in NAEP testing.
37%
of New York 4th graders were proficient in math in 2024
26%
of New York 8th graders were proficient in math in 2024
The NAEP uses a scale of 0-500 points to group 4th and 8th grade students into three achievement levels (basic, proficient, or advanced). "Proficient" is the benchmark used to describe students who demonstrate competency with challenging subject matter. However, NAEP proficiency is not the same as being on "grade level," which is often assessed by other state and district tests. More information on NAEP skill expectations at each grade level is available here.
In 2024, 8% of 4th graders in New York were advanced in math and 29% were proficient, which means that about 5 out of 8 (63%) scored at basic or below. Seventy-four percent of 8th graders scored at basic or below.
New York 4th graders in 2024 were not significantly different from the US average in math proficiency. 8th grade proficiency was also not significantly different from the US.
New York 4th graders in 2024 were not significantly different from the US average in math proficiency. 8th grade proficiency was also not significantly different from the US.
In 2024, the percentage of New York 4th graders at a proficient or advanced math level was similar to the US average.
Percentage of students at each NAEP achievement level in 4th and 8th grade in 2024 in New York and the US
How has math proficiency changed over time?
From this point onward, “proficiency” includes students who were at or above proficient in math (proficient and advanced students).
Among 4th graders, math proficiency in New York was higher than the US in 1 test year (2007). It was lower in 5 years (2011, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022). In all other test years since 2003, there was not a significant difference between New York and the US. Among 8th graders, math proficiency in New York was higher than the US in 1 test year (2003). It was lower in 2 years (2011 and 2013). In all other test years since 2003, there was not a significant difference between New York and the US.
New York 4th graders had a similar level of math proficiency compared to the US in 5 out of 11 test years
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders who were proficient in math in New York and the US, 1992–2024
Math proficiency has also varied over time for students of varying demographics. This is often referred to as the achievement gap.
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Among 4th graders in 2024, Asian/Pacific Islander students had the highest rate of math proficiency. This has been the case since 1992.
In 8th grade, Asian/Pacific Islander students also have had the highest rate of math proficiency of all groups since 2005.
In 8th grade, Asian/Pacific Islander students also have had the highest rate of math proficiency of all groups since 2005.
The math proficiency rate for Asian/Pacific Islander students in 4th grade is 3.6 times higher than the group with the lowest (Black students) in 2024.
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders who were proficient in math in New York, by race/ethnicity, 1992–2024
Does math proficiency differ by gender?
In 2024, there was not a significant difference in math proficiency between male and female students in 4th grade (39% and 34%, respectively). However, among 8th graders, female students had lower proficiency compared to male students (22% and 30%, respectively).
How do New York students compare to other states in math proficiency?
New York had the 15th lowest 4th grade math proficiency rate in the US in 2024, in between Alabama and Missouri. This is 14 percentage points lower than Massachusetts, the state with the highest proficiency (51%). For 8th graders, New York was 25th lowest in math proficiency.
New York is 15th lowest in 4th grade math proficiency and 25th lowest in 8th grade
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders in each state who were proficient in math in 2024
How do New York City Department of Education students compare to other districts in math proficiency?
The NAEP collected data in a subset of the nation's largest urban school districts (26 total) in 2024. One of these districts is in New York - New York City Department of Education.
4th grade students in New York City Department of Education had a math proficiency of 33% in 2024. This is similar to the New York average, but lower than the US average.
8th grade students in New York City Department of Education had a math proficiency of 23% in 2024. This is similar to both the New York and US averages.
Among the districts that participated, New York City Department of Education had the 12th highest math proficiency rate in 4th grade, and the seventh highest in 8th grade.
The math proficiency rate for New York City Department of Education 4th graders was lower than the US average
Percentage of 4th and 8th grade students in each district who were proficient in math in 2024
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
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USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
