NAEP writing scores show gains

The writing skills of 8th- and 12th-grade students in the United States improved in 2007 compared to earlier assessment years, with gains across many student groups, according to data released today by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

According to The Nation's Report Card: Writing 2007, the average writing score for 8th graders in 2007 was 3 points higher than in 2002 and 6 points higher than in 1998, and the percentage of students performing at or above the Basic level increased from 85% in 2002 to 88% in 2007. At the 12th-grade level, the average writing score was 5 points higher than in 2002 and 3 points higher than in 1998, and the percentage of students performing at or above the Basic level increased from 74% in 2002 to 82% in 2007. Gains carried across gender and were evident among most racial/ethnic groups.

In addition to the states that participated in the NAEP writing assessment, 10 urban school districts took part in the 2007 NAEP writing Trial Urban District Assessments (TUDA). Of the four districts that participated in both 2002 and 2007, three showed gains and one remained about even.

For details from The Nation's Report Card: Writing 2007, visit the NAEP website.