What percentage of students in Iowa are proficient in reading?
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About 29% of 4th graders and 31% of 8th graders in Iowa were considered proficient in reading 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.
29%
of Iowa 4th graders were proficient in reading in 2024
31%
of Iowa 8th graders were proficient in reading in 2024
The NAEP uses a scale of 0-500 points to group 4th and 8th 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, 7% of 4th graders in Iowa were advanced in reading and 22% were proficient, which means that about 5 out of 7 (71%) scored at basic or below. In 8th grade, 69% scored at basic or below.
Iowa 4th graders in 2024 were not statistically different from the US average in reading proficiency. 8th grade proficiency was also not statistically different from the US.
Iowa 4th graders in 2024 were not statistically different from the US average in reading proficiency. 8th grade proficiency was also not statistically different from the US.
In 2024, the percentage of Iowa 4th graders at a proficient or advanced reading level was similar to the US average.
Percentage of students at each NAEP achievement level in 4th and 8th grade in 2024 in Iowa and the US
How has reading proficiency changed over time?
From this point onward, “proficiency” includes students who were at or above proficient in reading (proficient and advanced students).
Among 4th graders, reading proficiency in Iowa was higher than the US in 5 test years (1992, 1994, 2002, 2003, and 2007). In all other test years since 1992, there was not a significant difference between Iowa and the US. Among 8th graders, reading proficiency in Iowa was higher than the US in 3 test years (2003, 2005, and 2007). In all other test years since 2003, there was not a significant difference between Iowa and the US.
Iowa 4th graders had a similar level of reading proficiency as the US in 10 out of 15 test years
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders who were proficient in reading in Iowa and the US, 1992–2024
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Reading proficiency has also varied over time for students of varying demographics. This is often referred to as the achievement gap.
Among 4th graders in 2024, white students had the highest rate of reading proficiency. This has been the case since 2017.
In 8th grade, white students also have had the highest rate of reading proficiency of all groups since 2022.
Among 4th graders in 2024, white students had the highest rate of reading proficiency. This has been the case since 2017.
In 8th grade, white students also have had the highest rate of reading proficiency of all groups since 2022.
The reading proficiency rate for white students in 4th grade is 3.9 times higher than the group with the lowest (Black students) in 2024.
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders who were proficient in reading in Iowa, by race/ethnicity, 1992–2024
Does reading proficiency differ by gender?
In 2024, female students had higher reading proficiency than male students in 4th grade (32% and 26%, respectively). The same was true for 8th graders.
How do Iowa students compare to other states in reading proficiency?
Iowa had the 19th lowest 4th grade reading proficiency rate in the US in 2024, in between Nevada and North Dakota. This is 11 percentage points lower than Massachusetts, the state with the highest proficiency (40%). For 8th graders, Iowa was 15th highest in reading proficiency.
Iowa is 19th lowest in 4th grade reading proficiency and 15th highest in 8th grade
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders in each state who were proficient in reading 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.
Page sources
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.
