This report presents the results of NAEP's long-term trend assessments in reading and mathematics that were administered in the 2007–08 school year to students aged 9, 13, and 17. Because the long-term trend assessments have been administered at different times during NAEP's 40-year history, it is possible to chart educational progress back to 1971 in reading and 1973 in mathematics. The previous long-term trend assessment occurred in 2004. This report provides trend results in terms of average scale scores, percentiles, and five performance levels. Results are described by race/ethnicity, gender, and type of school. Sample test questions are provided for each age level in each subject. Overall, the national trend in reading showed gains in average scores at all three ages since 2004. Average reading scores for 9- and 13-year-olds increased in 2008 compared to 1971, but the reading score for 17-year-olds was not significantly different. The national trend in mathematics showed that both 9- and 13-year-olds had higher average scores in 2008 than in any previous assessment year. For 17-year-olds, there were no significant differences between the average score in 2008 and those in 1973 or 2004.
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