A recent social media post by Spencer Pratt claimed that "a black fourth grader in Mississippi is two and a half times as likely to be proficient in math and reading as one in California." An examination of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data reveals a notable disparity in reading proficiency, but equal outcomes in mathematics for Black fourth-grade students in both states.
According to the 2024 NAEP State Snapshot Reports, 21% of Black fourth graders in Mississippi achieved proficiency or advanced levels in reading. In comparison, 7% of Black fourth graders in California reached these same levels in reading. This indicates that Black fourth graders in Mississippi were three times more likely to be proficient or advanced in reading than their counterparts in California. For mathematics, both states reported 13% of Black fourth graders achieving proficiency or advanced levels.
Mississippi has garnered national attention for its educational improvements, often referred to as the "Mississippi Miracle." These gains are frequently attributed to comprehensive reforms, including the 2013 Literacy-Based Promotion Act (LBPA). This legislation emphasized the "Science of Reading" and implemented a third-grade retention policy for students not meeting reading benchmarks, aiming to boost early literacy.
California's educational landscape for Black students presents a different picture, with the state generally lagging behind national averages in NAEP scores. In 2024, California's overall fourth-grade reading proficiency stood at 27%, below the national average of 32%. The state faces ongoing challenges in closing achievement gaps across various demographic groups.
However, some educational experts urge caution when interpreting Mississippi's reported successes. A critical analysis from Skeptic.com suggests that factors beyond direct instructional improvement might contribute to the state's NAEP score increases. These include the impact of third-grade retention policies, which can remove lower-scoring students from the fourth-grade testing pool, and an increase in testing accommodations for students with disabilities. Additionally, statistical adjustments related to an exceptionally high reported poverty rate in Mississippi could influence its comparative rankings.
The original tweet concluded with a political statement, "Don't let communists run your state," linking educational outcomes to political governance. The NAEP data provides a factual basis for examining state-level educational performance and the complex factors that contribute to student achievement, highlighting the nuanced reality of educational progress.
