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How proficient are U.S. 12th graders in math and science?

Notes:
NAEP = National Assessment of Educational Progress (The Nation's Report Card)
Notes:
NAEP = National Assessment of Educational Progress (The Nation's Report Card)

Only 26% of 12th grade students scored at or above the proficient level on the NAEP math assessment.

Only 21% of 12th grade students scored at or above the proficient level on the NAEP science assessment.

Key Observations

  • A somewhat higher percentage of males (28%) than females (24%) scored at or above the proficient level in math in 12th grade.
  • Over half of Asians/Pacific Islanders (52%) scored at or above the proficient level in math, while one-third (33%) of whites scored in this range; fewer (6%–12%) 12th grade black, Hispanic, or American Indian/Alaska Native students scored at or above the proficient level in math.
  • 10% of grade 12 Asian/Pacific Islander students scored at the advanced level in math in 2009.
  • A somewhat higher percentage of males (24%) than females (18%) scored at or above the proficient level in science in 12th grade.
  • At grade 12, only 27% of white students, 36% of Asian/Pacific Islander students, 4% of black students, 8% of Hispanic students, and 13% of American Indian/Pacific Islander students scored at or above the proficient level in science.
  • Few students scored at the advanced level in science in 12th grade.
STEM Education Data and Trends 2014
The National Science Board
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