According to new test results, Mississippi News, a non-profit organization, was the only state to see an improvement in reading scores. It also ranked first in math and fourth-grade reading gains. The National Center for Education Statistics published 2019 data from the Nation’s Report Card (also known as the National Assessment of Education Progress, or NAEP). The fourth- and eighth grade students are tested by NAEP to see what they know in math and reading. The previous results date back to 2017, when Mississippi students had improved their reading scores, but not their math scores. Most states did not see any improvement or decline in their scores in 2019, but Mississippi was the only one to see an improvement in all four subjects tested: fourth-grade reading, math, and eighth grade math. Only the District of Columbia saw improvement in all four subjects. The eighth-grade reading score of Mississippi did not change over 2017, but the national average saw a decline, so the state is now closer to the average. Mississippi’s 2019 results are the first time that it has exceeded or met national averages. The 1992 results were the first year that they were available. Mississippi was nearly 16 points behind the national fourth-grade reading average and almost 17 points behind fourth-grade math. Mississippi was able to match the fourth-grade reading national average and beat the fourth-grade math average by one point. However, the state is still below the national average for eighth-grade math and reading. Carey Wright, state superintendent, stated that Mississippi’s academic progress has been strong and sustained. This proves that there are no limits to the potential of our students. “Mississippi teachers have done an amazing job equipping students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed throughout their education.” Students who pass the NAEP test are considered to have learned challenging subjects. In fourth grade, 32 percent of students were proficient at reading and 39 percent in math. 25 percent of eighth-grade students were proficient at reading, and 24 percent were proficient at math. Peggy Carr, the associate commissioner for assessment for the National Center for Education Statistics, spoke to reporters and noted Mississippi’s continuing improvement. Carr stated, “You are to be commended Mississippi.” “Whatever your’re doing seems systemic and across-the-board,” Carr said. A deeper analysis of NAEP data shows that, while there is still an achievement gap, each racial group has improved their results over the previous year except for eighth grade reading. While white students still outperform Hispanic and black students in many areas, the gap between them and Hispanic students has narrowed in certain cases – fourth grade math and reading and eighth grade reading – it is still a significant advantage for white students. Hispanic and black students in Mississippi outperformed their peers nationwide in fourth-grade math and reading. The Literacy-Based Promotion Act was enacted in 2013. It requires third-graders to pass the reading test to be eligible for promotion to the fourth grade. Students had to pass a reading test this year to be promoted to the next grade. Jason Dean, the chair of Mississippi’s State Board of Education said that Mississippi has entered a new era of education. “Mississippi is a leader in improving student success through education because of its significant improvements in teaching, learning and curriculum.”