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Yes.

Around 42% of fourth graders in public schools tested at or above their grade level in math in standardized testing. Results come from the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress, administered to fourth and eighth graders once every two years.  The NAEP measures whether students can demonstrate grade-level proficiency and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. 

Colorado’s average fourth grade math score was 239 out of 500, compared with the national average of 237. The percentage of students scoring at or above grade level rose to 42% from 36% in 2022. 

Students who are Black, Hispanic or economically disadvantaged scored 25 to 29 points lower than their peers. While 2024 average scores were similar to those of 2022, gaps between high- and low-performing students widened. 

Nationwide trends show fourth grade math performance remains below pre-pandemic levels.

For reading, 36% of Colorado’s fourth graders met or exceeded their grade level.

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References:

2024 Mathematics State Snapshot Report: Colorado Fourth Grade Public Schools, National Center for Education Statistics, accessed in February 2025.

NAEP Technical Documentation Achievement Levels, National Center for Education Statistics, Oct. 5, 2023.

NAEP test results: Colorado’s scores are mostly stable, as gap between low and high performers widens, Chalkbeat Colorado, Jan. 28, 2025.

2024 Mathematics Grades 4 & 8, The Nation’s Report Card, accessed in February 2025.

2024 Reading State Snapshot Report: Colorado Fourth Grade Public Schools, National Center for Education Statistics, accessed in February 2025.

Type of Story: Fact-Check

Checks a specific statement or set of statements asserted as fact.

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