North Carolina Reading Scores Lag 0.5 Grade in 2025 as Math Posts 9th-Best Gains
Updated
Updated · WRAL News · May 13
North Carolina Reading Scores Lag 0.5 Grade in 2025 as Math Posts 9th-Best Gains
9 articles · Updated · WRAL News · May 13
North Carolina’s 2025 test results show students still about half a grade level behind the 2019 national reading benchmark, while math is down only about one-fifth of a grade level.
Since 2022, the state has posted the nation’s 9th-highest math gains but only average reading improvement—22nd among 38 states plus Washington—leaving researchers to describe a continuing “reading recession.”
Attendance remains a major drag: about 1 in 4 North Carolina students, or more than 350,000, missed at least 10% of school days for a third straight year, well above pre-pandemic levels.
The state has spent about $50 million since 2021 training teachers in phonics-based “science of reading” methods and adding literacy coaches, but officials say the overhaul may take longer to lift standardized reading scores.
Nationally, students remain nearly half a grade level behind pre-pandemic reading levels, while the few states making clear reading gains—including Louisiana and Tennessee—generally paired phonics-based instruction with extra support for struggling readers.
North Carolina spent $100M on reading training with no gains. Why do some states succeed where others fail?
Mississippi's reading scores soared after mandating grade retention. Is this controversial policy the missing ingredient for other states?
With reading scores falling as screen time rises, are schools fighting a battle they cannot win alone?
North Carolina Academic Performance 2025: Record Career Readiness, Persistent Reading Gaps, and the Road to 2030 Goals
Overview
North Carolina's academic performance in 2025 showed a complex landscape, with significant successes in college and career readiness alongside ongoing challenges in foundational subjects. The state saw a record-breaking year for high school students, with more students than ever passing Advanced Placement exams and earning industry-recognized credentials through career and technical education programs. Burke County Public Schools stood out by ranking third in credential attainment, highlighting the impact of strong community partnerships. While these achievements mark important progress, persistent gaps in core academic areas remain, reflecting both the advances and the challenges facing North Carolina's education system.