A new report by the Education Trust is further evidence that Montana is making strides in narrowing gaps in achievement on standardized tests while increasing the progress of individual student groups.
Superintendent of Public instruction Denise Juneau says the new report looks at reading and math test scores for fourth and eighth graders under the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) — the only standardized test that allows for direct comparison across states. Montana was recognized for increasing student achievement in reading and math for both American Indian and White students over the past six years. Montana was also one of six states recognized for achieving significant progress for low–income students. The state can point to gaps between low–income students and higher–income students that are among the smallest in the nation.
"The Education Trust's latest report confirms that Montana students are making gains in reading and math," says Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau. "This analysis shows that Montana is making progress in closing the achievement gap among students, but our job is not done until all children are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to compete in the 21st century."
