What percentage of students in North Dakota are proficient in math?
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About 43% of 4th graders and 29% of 8th graders in North Dakota 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.
43%
of North Dakota 4th graders were proficient in math in 2024
29%
of North Dakota 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 North Dakota were advanced in math and 35% were proficient, which means that about 4 out of 7 (57%) scored at basic or below. Seventy-one percent of 8th graders scored at basic or below.
North Dakota 4th graders in 2024 were higher than the US average in math proficiency. 8th grade proficiency was not significantly different from the US.
North Dakota 4th graders in 2024 were higher than the US average in math proficiency. 8th grade proficiency was not significantly different from the US.
In 2024, the percentage of North Dakota 4th graders at a proficient or advanced math level was higher than the US average.
Percentage of students at each NAEP achievement level in 4th and 8th grade in 2024 in North Dakota 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 North Dakota was higher than the US in 10 test years (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024). In all other test years since 2003, there was not a significant difference between North Dakota and the US. Among 8th graders, math proficiency in North Dakota was higher than the US in 9 test years (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019). In all other test years since 2003, there was not a significant difference between North Dakota and the US.
North Dakota 4th graders had higher math proficiency than the US in 10 out of 11 test years
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders who were proficient in math in North Dakota 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, white students had the highest rate of math proficiency. This has been the case since 2015.
In 8th grade, white students also have had the highest rate of math proficiency of all groups since 1992.
In 8th grade, white students also have had the highest rate of math proficiency of all groups since 1992.
The math proficiency rate for white students in 4th grade is 3.1 times higher than the group with the lowest (Black students) in 2024.
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders who were proficient in math in North Dakota, 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 (45% and 41%, respectively). The same was true for 8th graders.
How do North Dakota students compare to other states in math proficiency?
North Dakota had the eighth highest 4th grade math proficiency rate in the US in 2024, in between Indiana and Texas. This is 8 percentage points lower than Massachusetts, the state with the highest proficiency (51%). For 8th graders, North Dakota was 21st highest in math proficiency.
North Dakota is eighth highest in 4th grade math proficiency and 21st highest in 8th grade
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders in each state 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.
