Boston, MA, January 31, 2025—Chris Marino, Executive Director of Teach Plus Massachusetts, today released the following statement on the results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP):
“While Massachusetts ranking first in the nation across four categories of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is significant, we must ensure this success extends to all our students. Current scores remain below pre-pandemic levels and reveal persistent gaps. In 4th grade, Black and Hispanic students scored an average of 30 points lower than white students, while male students averaged 5 points below female students. More concerning, the achievement gap for economically disadvantaged students has widened beyond what we saw in 1998.
From elementary to high school, addressing these disparities—particularly in literacy—requires immediate action. Teach Plus Massachusetts is committed to working alongside coalition partners, policymakers, and education leaders to implement teacher-led solutions that improve literacy outcomes and ensure postsecondary success for all students. Our three-fold strategy focuses on:
- Enhancing communication with parents and families about literacy
- Supporting educators with evidence-based instructional strategies and high-quality curriculum
- Advocating for effective literacy policies at the state level to create systemic change
We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to transform the NAEP results into meaningful action. By working together, we can create an education system that truly delivers on the promise of excellence for every student in Massachusetts.”
About Teach Plus
The mission of Teach Plus is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance equity, opportunity, and student success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has developed thousands of teacher leaders across the country to exercise their leadership and voice in shaping education policy and improving opportunities and outcomes for students. teachplus.org
