A national assessment shows little change in North Carolina over the last two years examining 4th and 8th grade math and reading skills.

Fourth and Eighth graders in 2017 performed similarly in math and reading compared to two years earlier, according to a press release from Public Schools of North Carolina.

The National Assessment of Education Progress, also known as the Nation’s Report Card, reports that eighth graders had a slight increase in scores in both math and reading from 2015.  The report went on to say the difference was statistically insignificant. Fourth graders’ reading skills saw no change, and their above the national average math scores showed a significant decline from 2015.

To receive federal aid, state participation in the National Assessment of Education Progress is required.