Curriculum

Reading Achievement

August 06, 2003 1 min read
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The following shows the percentage of 4th and 8th graders at or above each reading-achievement level in 2002.

Grade 4

Below Basic

At or above
Basic

At or Above
Proficient

At
Advanced

Nation (Public) 38 62 30 6
Atlanta 65² 35² 12²
Chicago 66² 34² 11²
District of Columbia 69² 31² 10²
Houston 52² 48² 18²
Los Angeles 67² 33² 11²
New York City¹ 53² 47² 19² 5
Grade 8
Nation (Public) 26 74 31 2
Atlanta 58² 42² -- ²
Chicago 38² 62² 15² 1
District of Columbia 52² 48² 10² -- ²
Houston 41² 59² 17²
Los Angeles 56² 44² 10² -- ²

—Percentage rounds to zero.
¹ Although deemed sufficient for reporting, the target response rate specified in the NAEP guidelines was not met.
² Significantly different from national average.

NOTE: Percentages “below” and “at or above basic” may not add up to 100, because of rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education

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