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4th grade NAEP reading scores

4th grade statistics chart

*When looking at this chart, one will quickly notice how close the numbers actually are on it. The yellow represents West Virginias state reading level of fourth graders, and the red represents the national reading level of fourth graders. Something that draws my attention about this chart is how WV use to be above the national average in regards to fourth grade reading scores. Though throughout the years the national reading score average has only slightly grown and taken a lead over WV reading scores, it is still a statistic that should be analyzed. WV reading scores have diminshed since 2003, as opposed to the national statistics regaurding reading. The national average reading score (though slight each time) is growing and will eventually generate a gap between WV reading scores, that there will be no return. Before this gap becomes too unbareable, strides need to be taken to improve WV reading scores, or it will be our own children that suffer.


8th grade NAEP reading scores

8th grade statistics chart

*As a parent, looking at this chart is very disheartening. I feel that the use of funds have possibly been used for the wrong reasons, and something needs to be done in order to address this issue. Our (WV) students are falling behind in reading which is one of the most important aspects in the United States. Reading is a part of every day life, and if our children read inadequitely they will fall behind all of the other individuals racing to be the best. I feel that the state has a right to see how money is being spent on education, to ensure that their tax paying money is being put to good use. If it is unacceptable to see where our money is being used and how, then it is unacceptable on our part to continuously shell out thousands of dollars. I am a concerned parent, worried about the future and well being of mine, as well as other children.



**Graphing tool used for this research: Bar gragh

**Data retrieved from: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing/classic/bar.asp