Diverging Educational Outcomes: A Review of NAEP Scores Post-Pandemic

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has unveiled a contrasting picture of educational recovery across the United States as we move further from the pandemic. Released on January 29, 2025, the NAEP results reveal that while certain states are witnessing encouraging progress, others continue to struggle, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of substantial financial investments aimed at school recovery.

In the aftermath of unprecedented funding, totaling nearly $190 billion allocated by Congress for educational recovery during 2020 and 2021, the NAEP scores reflect a mixed bag. Notably, states such as the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia have reported improvements in both 4th-grade reading and 8th-grade math scores. These subjects are crucial as they form the foundation for lifelong learning and significantly influence future economic outcomes.

Conversely, several states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, have continued to see declines in student performance across both subjects. Dr. Marguerite Roza, the director of Georgetown University's Edunomics Lab, expressed concern over this phenomenon, stating, "Now that money is gone and some states have little or nothing to show for it. That's a missed opportunity that could stay with kids for the rest of their lives." This sentiment underscores a critical issue: the relationship between funding and educational outcomes, which has been deteriorating in various states for an extended period.

For context, the federal government disbursed a staggering $11 billion to Florida schools and $3 billion to Washington state, yet both states appear to be experiencing declining NAEP scores. This revelation raises important discussions about the efficacy of funding allocation and its direct impact on educational improvements.

Interestingly, Mississippi, long regarded as an underperforming state in education, is now demonstrating notable growth in its academic scores. Dr. Roza pointed out, "Other states should take note," indicating that effective strategies from Mississippi could serve as a blueprint for states facing challenges.

The implications are significant as the NAEP results remind education leaders and policymakers that full accountability is required when it comes to ensuring these investments yield meaningful academic benefits. Moving forward, many states are faced with tighter budgets for public education, creating an urgent need for state leaders to strategize ways to utilize available funds more effectively to enhance student outcomes.

Edunomics Lab, recognized for its leadership in education finance and return-on-investment analysis, plays a crucial role by providing resources and support for state and district leaders navigating these pressing challenges. From comprehensive training programs to valuable free webinars, the Edunomics Lab is committed to promoting data-driven decision-making aimed at benefiting students across the nation.

For detailed spending and scores profiles for every state, more information is available at their website.

About Edunomics Lab

Edunomics Lab is a research center affiliated with Georgetown University, focused on the intricate fiscal decisions within education and enhancing the capacity of leaders to understand education finance.

To learn more, visit edunomicslab.org.