Maryland's eighth grade students achieved significant improvements in mathematics over the past six years, according to a report released in February by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Known as the Nation's Report Card, NAEP is the only regular national survey of what American students know and can do in the basic subject areas.

Eighth grade students in Maryland ranked among the most improved in the nation. These students gained nine points in the scale score, up from 261 in 1990 to 270 in 1996. Only five states saw scores go up more. The national scale score in 1996 was 271.

Maryland was one of only six states whose eighth grade students made improvements in the three highest achievement levels in mathematics from 1990 to 1996

Maryland Outpaced the Nation

Maryland outpaced the nation in the rate of improvement, though the state's performance in mathematics reflected a general improvement nationally. U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley said of the improvements, "The sustained progress we are seeing at every grade level tells me that our effort to raise standards is starting to get down into the classroom."

"The sustained progress... at every grade level tells me that our effort to raise standards is starting to get down into the classroom."

Richard W. Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education

Between 1990 and 1996, Maryland's eighth grade students improved in the three highest math achievement levels. At the same time, the number of Maryland students below basic decreased. The state was one of only six to register this kind of steady improvement over six years.

Two weeks before the NAEP report, President Bill Clinton praised Maryland as a leader of the "national crusade" to raise education standards. "In this national crusade," he said, "I want to be able to tell people in other states, If you don't think you can do it, call Maryland.'"

State School Superintendent Nancy Grasmick said, "I am confident that our on-going efforts to improve performance on the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) will continue to raise achievement levels on NAEP. Both performance assessments have high standards for students."

More Maryland 4th graders scored at the advanced level (3% vs. 2%) and at or above proficient (22% vs. 20%). More Maryland female students scored at the advanced and at or above proficient levels in the 4th and 8th grades. At 4th grade, Maryland's white, Asian, and Hispanic students outscored their U. S. counterparts.