In a stunning turn of events, Alabama students have made record-breaking gains on the Nation’s Report Card, outpacing much of the country and achieving unprecedented growth in education scores. The state’s remarkable success, particularly in 4th grade math, has garnered national attention, as data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released on January 29, 2025, shows Alabama leading the way.
Alabama’s rise: From last to a national leader
Alabama’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The state moved from dead last in the nation to a strong 34th place in 4th grade reading and 32nd in 4th grade math. This improvement is a dramatic shift considering the national average has remained largely stagnant since the pandemic. As reported by the al.com, Alabama was one of only two states—along with Louisiana—to see improvements in both math and reading for 4th graders from 2019 to 2024.
Key factors driving Alabama’s success
State officials attribute the dramatic gains to a series of focused educational reforms and strategies implemented over recent years. Alabama tweaked its reading and math standards to closely align with the rigorous expectations of the NAEP, positioning students to perform at a higher level. “We’ve worked hard to align our curriculum, focus on early grade improvements, and provide consistent support,” said State Superintendent Eric Mackey, as quoted by al.com.
Moreover, the state’s ability to stay steady during the pandemic—while many other states saw drops in achievement—has played a crucial role in this success. As al.com notes, Alabama’s 4th graders earned an average score of 236 in math, a six-point jump from 2022 and the highest score the state has ever achieved.
Ongoing challenges and the way forward
Despite these impressive gains, challenges remain. The al.com reported that Alabama still faces significant achievement gaps, particularly in middle school grades. For instance, half of the state’s 8th graders scored below basic levels in math, indicating that more work is needed to support struggling students. Mackey emphasized the importance of continued focus on these students, quoted by al.com saying, “We must ensure that all students, especially those in need, receive the support necessary to succeed.”
Looking ahead, Alabama plans to invest in additional resources and programs outside the classroom, such as tutoring and after-school initiatives, to address these gaps. The state’s historic gains in education offer hope and a model for other states still grappling with post-pandemic challenges.
As Alabama continues its educational journey, it stands as a beacon of how focused, strategic action can drive significant improvements in student achievement.
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