February 2007
Authors: Wendy Grigg, Patricia Donahue, and Gloria Dion
Download sections of the report (or the complete report) in a PDF file for viewing and printing.
Reading performance declines for all but top performers
Less than one-quarter perform at or above Proficient in mathematics
In 2005, a representative sample of over 21,000 high school seniors from 900 schools across the country was assessed in reading and mathematics. This report presents the national results from the 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2005 reading assessments and from the 2005 mathematics assessment. It also includes sample questions to illustrate the types of skills and knowledge that were assessed in each subject.
In 2005, the average reading score for high school seniors was 286 on a 0–500 scale. This overall average was lower than in 1992, although it was not significantly different from the score in 2002. With the exception of the score for students performing at the 90th percentile, declines were seen across most of the performance distribution in 2005 as compared to 1992.
Retrieving information from a highly detailed document is an example of the knowledge and skills demonstrated by students performing at the Basic level. Making a critical judgment about a detailed document and explaining their reasoning is an example of the knowledge and skills associated with students' performance at the Proficient level.
The 2005 mathematics assessment is based on a new framework. The assessment includes more questions on algebra, data analysis, and probability to reflect changes in high school mathematics standards and coursework. Even though many questions were repeated, results could not be placed on the old NAEP scale and could not be directly compared to previous years. The 12th-grade average in 2005 was set at 150 on a 0–300 point scale.
Demonstrating the ability to use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine the length of a hypotenuse is an example of the skills and knowledge associated with performance at the Basic level. An example of the knowledge and skills associated with the Proficient level is using trigonometric ratios to determine length.
Download sections of the report (or the complete report) in a PDF file for viewing and printing:
NCES 2007-468 Ordering information
Suggested Citation
Grigg, W., Donahue, P., and Dion, G. (2007). The Nation’s Report Card: 12th-Grade Reading and Mathematics 2005 (NCES 2007-468). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
For more information, see the results of the 2005 12th-Grade Reading and Mathematics on the Nation's Report Card website.