From 2013 to 2022, Minnesota declined in 4th grade reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). In 2022, Minnesota dropped below the national average.
Minnesota's least proficient 10% of readers did much worse in 2024 than in 2013. Only 12 other states had worse declines.
In 2024, Minnesota's NAEP 4th grade reading scores were lower for every racial group and economic category compared to Mississippi, a state with lower school funding, more racial diversity, the lowest family income in the country, and much more poverty.
Minnesota ranks 39th in 4th grade reading and 31st in 8th grade reading when NAEP reading scores are adjusted to account for gender, age, race, poverty, special education, and English language learners.
In 2022, 30% of Minnesota's students were chronically absent.