Iowa posts mixed NAEP results; state highlights reading gains and proposes Math Counts Act to boost math instruction

Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Snow reviewed the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results at the Feb. 11 State Board of Education meeting, telling board members that Iowa—s eighth-grade reading ranking improved since 2022 while mathematics achievement remains an area of concern.

Director Snow said the nation—s NAEP results show declines in reading and largely stagnant math nationally since 2022, but noted that Iowa increased its national ranking in eighth-grade reading from 20th in 2022 to 10th in 2024. The department attributed the state—s reading gains to years of sustained investment in evidence-based reading instruction, professional learning (including LETRS for thousands of educators), updated ELA standards and targeted tutoring and summer reading grants. Snow also highlighted targeted investments that provided book packs for every Iowa first grader.

By contrast, Snow said, Iowa—s math rankings lag. He noted Iowa—s fourth-grade math ranking declined since 2013 and that Iowa—s long-term fourth-grade math percentage proficiency has dropped about nine percentage points since 2013. The department recommended a statewide math strategy included in a proposed Math Counts Act that would emphasize early identification, multi-tiered interventions, evidence-based professional development targeted to schools with the greatest need, and family resources to support math development at home.

Why it matters: NAEP is the only nationally representative assessment that allows direct state-to-state comparisons. The department framed Iowa—s reading gain as promising and credited state-level investments, while positioning the Math Counts Act as a response to persistent weaknesses in math performance.

Board members asked whether the move in NAEP rankings reflected improvements in Iowa or changes in other states— performance. Snow acknowledged both effects: Iowa—s relative ranking can increase if other states lose ground, but he attributed Iowa—s reading improvement to in-state investments and to maintaining in-person instruction through 2021-22 that limited learning loss compared with some other states.

Snow stressed the proposed math strategy would be targeted rather than the universal LETRS-style rollout used for reading professional learning; Math Counts would prioritize districts and schools identified through proficiency metrics as most in need of support. The director said the department will track progress through state assessments and the next administration of NAEP in 2026.

Speakers quoted or on the record: Director Ryan Snow; board members asked clarifying questions about rollout and measurement.