This report presents results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2005 fourth- and eighth-grade reading assessments for the nation and for participating states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense schools. Assessment results are described in terms of students' average reading score on a 0–500 scale and in terms of the percentage of students attaining each of three achievement levels: Basic, Proficient, and Advanced. National scores at selected percentiles on the scale (indicating the percentage of students whose scores fell at or below a particular point) are also discussed. This report also provides results for groups of students defined by various background characteristics (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, and students' eligibility for free/reduced-price lunch). Comparisons are made to results from previous years in which the assessment was administered. In addition to the 2005 results, national results are reported from the 1992, 1994, 1998, 2000 (fourth grade only), 2002, and 2003 assessments. Results for participating states and other jurisdictions from the 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2003 assessments at grade 4 and from the 1998, 2002, and 2003 assessments at grade 8 are also reported. The national results from the assessment showed a 2-point increase between the average fourth-grade reading score in 2005 and the score in 1992. The average eighth-grade reading score also was 2 points higher in 2005 than in 1992. Of the 42 states and jurisdictions that participated in both the 1992 and 2005 fourth-grade reading assessments, 20 showed higher average scores in 2005 and 3 showed lower scores. Of the 38 states and jurisdictions that participated in the 1998 and 2005 eighth-grade assessments, 3 showed higher average reading scores in 2005 and 8 showed lower scores. The report also includes sample assessment questions and examples of student responses. Appendices include information on national and state samples, school and student participation rates, participation and accommodation of students with disabilities and English language learners, student group percentages, and more state-level results.
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