Florida students have experienced a decline in their National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores for the 2023-24 period, continuing a trend seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighth-grade math scores have reached a 20-year low, while reading scores for the same grade are at their lowest in over 25 years. Fourth-grade reading scores have not been this low since 2003, and although fourth-grade math scores remained stable compared to last year, they have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida and Chairman of the Foundation for Florida’s Future, expressed concern about these results. He stated, “For more than two decades, Florida has been a national leader in advancing student-centered policies that have resulted in our students consistently scoring at the top of the nation on the Nation’s Report Card."
Bush acknowledged the disappointing nature of the current results: "Not only have our rankings fallen in three out of four tested categories, but our actual student performance in all tested categories is lower than it has been in many years. In fact, our eighth graders are performing lower today in reading than before I took office in 1999."
Despite these setbacks, Bush remains hopeful about future improvements: "But I remain an optimist because success is never final, and reform is never finished." He urged policymakers to recommit to educational excellence: "Policymakers must redouble their commitment to our students. Florida has earned a national reputation of consistent focus on educational excellence for each and every student. This work clearly is not done."
He emphasized urgency for action: “Now is the time for policymakers to act with a sense of urgency and advance meaningful policy solutions that provide a strong foundation for learning, support students and lead to rising academic achievement.”
The NAEP provides standardized data on student performance across states. According to recent figures:
- Florida's Grade 4 Reading score decreased by seven points from 225 in 2022 to 218 in 2024 but still exceeds the national average.
- The state ranks tenth nationally in Grade 4 Reading.
- Grade 8 Reading scores fell by seven points from 260 in 2022 to 253 in 2024.
- Florida ranks forty-third nationally in Grade 8 Reading.
- Grade 4 Math saw an increase from 241 to 243 between 2022 and 2024.
- The state ranks second nationally for Grade 4 Math.
- Grade 8 Math dropped by four points from 271 to 267 during this period.
- Florida ranks forty-first nationally for Grade 8 Math.
In response, several recommendations were made for policymakers:
1. Reinstate funding for reading coaches and ensure high-quality curriculums without harmful instructional practices.
2. Place effective teachers early on when children learn foundational skills like reading.
3. Increase exposure to math content for teacher candidates through various training programs.
4. Provide resources and training focused on struggling readers across grades.
5. Invest in AI technology offering real-time feedback for educators.
6. Adopt high-quality instructional materials with rich content.
7. Eliminate digital distractions by reinforcing phone-free school policies.
8. Support charter operators through initiatives like Schools of Hope aimed at improving low-performing schools.
9. Address chronic absenteeism with consistent definitions and better tracking mechanisms.