This report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) presents results from the Trial Urban District Assessment in reading. Representative samples of between 900 and 2,400 fourth grade- and between 800 and 2,100 eighth-grade public school students from 18 urban districts participated in the 2009 assessment. Eleven of the districts also participated in earlier assessment years. Student performance is reported in terms of average scale scores on the NAEP reading scale and the percentages of students who attained the achievement levels set by the National Assessment Governing Board. District results are compared to results for public school students in the nation, large cities nationally, and their home states. Student performance is reported by race/ethnicity and eligibility for free/reduced-price school lunch. At grade 4, average scores increased since 2007 in 4 of the 11 participating districts, although there were no significant changes in the scores for fourth-graders in the nation or large cities overall. Scores were higher in 2009 than in 2002 for 5 of the 6 districts that participated in both years. For grade 8, average reading scores for the nation and large cities were higher in 2009 than in 2007, with 2 of the 11 participating districts (Atlanta and Los Angeles) showing gains. These same 2 districts of the 5 that participated in both years scored higher in 2009 than in 2002.
Online Availability
