Supt. Cade Brumley: Test Scores Surging

Louisiana 4th graders lead the nation in reading growth again, now ranked 16th in the country. In fact, Louisiana students have achieved some of the most significant academic progress in the nation, according to data released Wednesday as part of The Nation’s Re-

port Card. Widely regarded as the gold standard of 

assessments, these latest results measure math and reading proficiency among 4th and 8th grade students in the U.S. 

Louisiana’s students earned the state’s highest national rankings across both grade levels and subjects.

Gov. Jeff Landry joined Louisiana State Supt. of Education Dr. Cade Brumley for a press conference announcing the results today 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,” Dr. Brumley said. “While we are obviously pleased, we are not completely satisfied as there is more work to accomplish.”

Unprecedented Rankings

The Nation’s Report Card measures 4th grade math, 4th grade reading, 8th grade math, and 8th grade reading. Louisiana saw its national rankings continue to rise in each subject and grade level.

4th Grade Math

2024: 38th

2022: 44th

2019: 50th

4th Grade Reading

2024: 16th

2022: 42nd

2019: 50th

8th Grade Math

2024: 43rd

2022: 45th

2019: 49th

8th Grade Reading

2024: 29th

2022: 39th

2019: 45th

Among National Leaders

Louisiana 4th graders led the nation in reading growth for the second consecutive cycle of The Nation’s Report Card. (2022 and 2024)

Louisiana 4th graders were top five in the nation for math growth.

Louisiana is one of only two states where 4th graders exceeded 2019 scores in reading and math.

Louisiana is one of 14 states to post gains in 8th grade math.

Back to the Basics

Supt. Brumley said Louisiana’s academic progress reflects the state’s emphasis on foundational skills and its investment in educators. For example, Louisiana implemented a comprehensive literacy plan rooted in phonics, transforming how reading is taught statewide.