Louisiana 4th graders lead the nation in reading growth again, now ranked 16th in the country
Louisiana students have posted their highest-ever rankings on The Nation’s Report Card, with fourth graders leading the country in reading growth and climbing to 16th place nationally, according to data released Tuesday.
The results mark a significant turnaround for the state, which previously ranked near the bottom in national assessments. The Nation’s Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), evaluates math and reading proficiency among fourth and eighth graders across the U.S.
Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley announced the findings during a press conference at Magnolia Woods Elementary in Baton Rouge.
“This is a historic achievement for our state and underscores the dedication of teachers and a laser focus on fundamental academic skills,” Brumley said. “While we are obviously pleased, we are not completely satisfied as there is more work to accomplish.”
Climbing the Ranks
Louisiana’s national rankings improved across all tested categories:
- Fourth-grade math: 38th in 2024 (up from 50th in 2019)
- Fourth-grade reading: 16th in 2024 (up from 50th in 2019)
- Eighth-grade math: 43rd in 2024 (up from 49th in 2019)
- Eighth-grade reading: 29th in 2024 (up from 45th in 2019)
The state was among national leaders in education improvement, with Louisiana’s fourth graders ranking in the top five for math growth. It was also one of only two states where fourth graders surpassed pre-pandemic scores in both reading and math.
“These results demonstrate the power of a strong academic foundation and a relentless focus on academic excellence,” said Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Vice President Stacey Melerine. “I’m especially encouraged to see students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outpacing their national peers for growth and achievement.”
A Focus on Fundamentals
Education officials attributed the progress to Louisiana’s emphasis on foundational academic skills and support for educators.
- Literacy reform: The state adopted phonics-based instruction aligned with the Science of Reading to improve literacy rates.
- Math mastery: Louisiana implemented a math plan focusing on fundamental skills to prepare students for advanced coursework.
- Special education initiatives: A nationally recognized Special Education Playbook provided educators with strategies for improving outcomes among students with disabilities.
- Teacher training: The state invested in professional learning programs to equip educators with high-quality instructional materials and reduce classroom disruptions.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson emphasized the role of teacher support in driving student success.
“Our intentional focus on equipping teachers and leaders is one of the main factors that has translated into academic growth for Louisiana children,” Chiasson said.
Next Steps
Louisiana is working to build on its progress with expanded high-dosage tutoring, a new K-3 literacy screener, and the introduction of a K-3 math screener. Additionally, the state has adopted a revised school accountability system, set to take effect next year, which aims to raise academic standards and provide clearer assessments of school performance.
The Nation’s Report Card, administered every two years, is the only nationally representative assessment of student achievement over time. Louisiana’s continued improvement signals a shift in the state’s education trajectory, positioning students for greater success in the future.