National Trends in Science

• 17-year-olds. After declining between 1969 and 1982, average scores increased until 1992. Although the average score in 1999 was higher than the average scores from 1977 through 1990, it remained lower than the average score in 1969.
• 13-year-olds. After declining between 1970 and 1977, average scores increased until 1992. A slight decline since 1992, however, resulted in an average score in 1999 that was similar to that in 1970.
• 9-year-olds. After declining between 1970 and 1973, average scores remained relatively stable until 1982. Increases between 1982 and 1990, followed by relatively stable performance in the 1990s, resulted in an average score in 1999 that was higher than that in 1970.

Trends in Average Scale Scores for the Nation in Science

Figure 1.1, NAEP 1999 Trends in Academic Progress.
* Significantly different from 1999.
NOTE: Dashed lines represent extrapolated data.
SOURCE: National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 1999 Long-Term Trend Assessment.

For more detailed findings, see NAEP 1999 Trends in Academic Progress.

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Last updated 16 November 2001 (CLH)