The average NAEP mathematics scores of 4th- and 8th-graders were higher in 2017 than in 1990 (see Digest of Education Statistics, 2017, table 222.10). White students had higher average scores than Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander students at both grade levels in 2017, but lower average scores than Asian students.
| Selected characteristic | 1990 | 2013 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average scale score | 263 | 285 | 283 |
| Sex | |||
| Male | 263 | 285 | 283 |
| Female | 262 | 284 | 282 |
| Race/ethnicity | |||
| White | 270 | 294 | 293 |
| Black | 237 | 263 | 260 |
| Hispanic | 246 | 272 | 269 |
| Asian | — | 309 | 312 |
| Pacific Islander | — | 275 | 274 |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | ‡ | 269 | 267 |
| Two or more races | — | 288 | 287 |
| Percent of students at performance levels | |||
| At or above Basic | 52 | 74 | 70 |
| At or above Proficient | 15 | 35 | 34 |