Best-performing public school students by state

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The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the largest continuing national assessment of what America's students know and how they can do in various subject areas. Assessments are conducted periodically in mathematics, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, and U.S. history. This slideshow is based on average NAEP scores in reading and mathematics for the 4th grade. The scores were taken from the 2009 NAEP, the most recent year from which results are available.

The U.S. scored 220 in reading and 239 in math, for an average score of 229.5. Keep clicking to find out how each state fared.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 30: Washington, D.C.

The nation's capitol takes last place - 30th - in our ranking based on its combined math and reading average of just 210.5.

The skyline of Washington, D.C., including the U.S. Capitol building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and National Mall, is seen from the air.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 29: Louisiana

Louisiana scored a 207 in reading and 229 in math for an average score of 218. The state ranked 29th.

The French Quarter in New Orleans is seen in the foreground with the city skyline behind it on August 25, 2006.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 28: Mississippi

Mississippi's 4th graders' scores in reading and math ranked 28th in the country. The state scored an average of 219.

The Mississippi Governor's Mansion in Jackson, Miss. is pictured here.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 28: New Mexico

New Mexico's 4th graders scored an average of 219 in math and reading, tying for 28th place with Mississippi.

The International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, N.M. is seen here.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 27: Arizona

Arizona's 4th graders ranked 27th based on their average of 220 in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a shot of the Grand Canyon West on Hualapai Indian reservation in Arizona.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 26: California

California scored 26th in the nation in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The average combined score for 4th graders in this state was 221.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is seen here.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 25: Alabama

Alabama scored 25th in the nation in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The state's fourth graders had an average combined score of 222.

Here, the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery is seen.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 24: Nevada

Nevada scored an average of 223 in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the Hoover Dam in Boulder City, Nev.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 23: Hawaii

Hawaii scored 23rd in the nation with its average score of 223.5 in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the Aloha Tower, in Honolulu.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 22: West Virginia

West Virginia scored 215 in reading and 233 in math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2009. The average score of 224 placed the state 22nd in the nation in these two subjects.

West Virginia state capitol building is seen here, at night.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 22 Alaska

AP Photo/Peninsula Clarion, M. Scott Moon

Alaska's 4th graders' scores - an average of 224 in reading and math - tied with West Virginia at No. 22 in the country in the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, light is seen from the Aurora Borealis filling the Big Dipper constellation in the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, above trees near Nikiski, Alaska.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 21: Tennessee

Tennessee's fourth graders scored 21st in the nation with an average score of 224.5 on reading and math in the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the Nashville, Tenn., skyline.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 20: South Carolina

No. 20 in reading and math based on the 2009 results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress in reading and math is South Carolina. The state's fourth graders scored an average of 226.

Here, the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, S.C.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 19: Michigan

Michigan ranked 19th in the nation with its 227 average scores in reading and math on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a view of downtown Detroit.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 19: Arkansas

Arkansas' 4th graders tied with Michigan for 19th place, scoring 216 in reading and 238 in math for an average score of 227 on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The exterior of Little Rock Central High School building in Little Rock, Ark. is seen here.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 19: Georgia

Georgia's fourth graders also scored an average of 227 on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress in math and reading.

The skyline in Atlanta is pictured here.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 19: Oklahoma

Oklahoma's fourth graders scored 19th in the U.S. with an average score of 227 in reading and math on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the Oklahoma City National Memorial in Oklahoma city, Okla.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 18: Oregon

Oregon earned the 18th spot with its 4th graders' average score of 228 in reading and math on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, Mount Hood is seen during a sunset in Portland, Ore.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 17: llinois

llinois' fourth graders scored an average of 228.5 in reading and math on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress, earning the state the 17th spot.

Here, the building formerly known as the Sears Tower, now called the Willis Tower, in Chicago.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 16: Utah

Utah's fourth graders ranked 16th in the nation with their 229.5 average score in reading and math on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the sun is seen setting behind Mormon Temple in Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 16: Texas

Texas' fourth graders scored 16th in the U.S. with a 229.5 average score in reading and math on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 15: Rhode Island

Rhode Island's fourth graders earned the 15th spot in the U.S. with an average math and reading score of 231 on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the Beavertail lighthouse at Beavertail State Park in Narragansett Bay, Jamestown, Rhode Island.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 15: Idaho

Idaho's fourth graders also scored an average of 231 on the reading and math portions of the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress, tying with Rhode Island and several other states for 15th place.

The Idaho statehouse dome in Boise, Idaho. is seen here.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 15: Nebraska

Nebraska also scored an average of 231 on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress in math and reading.

Here, the Omaha, Neb., skyline at dusk.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 14: Washington State

Washington State's 4th graders scored an average of 231.5 in math and reading on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, ash and steam are seen spewing from the Mount Saint Helens volcano at Mount Saint Helens National Monument in Washington.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 14: North Carolina

North Carolina's fourth graders scored 14th in the country on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress with an average of 231.5 in reading and math.

Here, A view of Raleigh, N.C.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 13: Wisconsin

Fourth graders in Wisconsin scored 13th in the U.S. with an average score of 232 in reading and math on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the Madison, Wis., skyline at dusk featuring State Capitol dome.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 13: Iowa

Iowa's 4th graders tied with Wisconsin for 13th place in the U.S. on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress, with an average score of 232 in reading and math.

Here, corn fields surrounding the Golden Grain Energy ethanol plant, in Mason City, Iowa.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 13: South Dakota

South Dakota also tied for 13th place. The state's fourth graders scored a 232 on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress in reading and math.

Here, the Badlands of South Dakota.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 12: Wyoming

Wyoming's 4th graders scored an average of 232.5 in reading and math on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress, earning the No. 12 spot in the nation.

Here, the 'Crested Pool' hot spring at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming on June 2, 2011.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 12: Missouri

Missouri's 4th graders also scored an average of 232.5 in reading and math on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress, tying for the No. 12 spot in the nation.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is pictured here.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 12: New York

Tying for the No. 12 spot in the nation is New York. The state's 4th graders also scored an average of 232.5 on the reading and math National Assessment of Educational Progress tests.

Here, the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline as seen from Brooklyn, New York.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 12: Kentucky

Kentucky's fourth graders also tied for No. 12 in the nation with an average score of 232.5 on the math and reading portions of the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, Kentucky Derby entrant Bandini, with rider Freddy Buscail, and trainer Todd Pletcher (l) are seen looking out toward the track before a morning workout at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 11: Delaware

Delaware's fourth grade students earn the No. 11 spot in the U.S. with their 232.5 average math and reading scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a map of Delaware.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 11: Indiana

Indiana earns the No. 11 spot for its fourth graders' average math and reading scores of 233 on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a float during the parade for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2011, on the city's streets.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 10: Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's fourth graders earned the state the No. 10 spot in the nation with their 234 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, City Hall in Philadelphia.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 10: Maine

Maine's fourth graders tied with Pennsylvania's for the No. 10 spot in the nation. Both states' students earned a 234 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a boat is seen resting on shore of west branch of the Penobscot River, near Millinocket, Maine.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 10: Florida

Florida's fourth graders also tied for the No. 10 spot in the nation with their 234 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 9: Kansas

Montana's 4th graders earned the state the No. 9 spot in the nation with their 234.5 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the Kansas State Capitol building in Topeka, Kan.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 9: Montana

Montana's fourth graders earned the state the No. 9 spot in the nation with their 234.5 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a break in the trees defining the border between Canada and the U.S., near Polebridge, Mont.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 9: Ohio

Ohio's fourth graders tied for the No. 9 spot in the U.S. for their 234.5 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The Ohio State capitol building in Columbus is seen here.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 9: Colorado

Colorado's fourth graders tied for the No. 9 spot in the U.S. for their 234.5 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a view of the city of Boulder, Colo.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 8: Maryland

Maryland's fourth graders earned the No. 8 spot in the U.S. for their 235 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a view of the Domino Sugar Plant sign in Inner Harbor in Baltimore.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 8: Virginia

Virginia's fourth graders tied for the No. 8 spot in the U.S. for their 235 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

A view of Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington in Virginia.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 7: North Dakota

North Dakota's fourth graders earned the No. 7 spot in the U.S. with their 235.5 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the North Dakota state capitol building in Bismarck, N.D.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 6: Minnesota

Minnesota's fourth graders tied for the No. 6 spot in the U.S. with their 236 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The Minneapolis skyline is seen here at sunset.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 5: Connecticut

Connecticut's fourth graders earned the No. 5 spot in the U.S. with their 237 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a view of Yale University School of Law in New Haven, Conn.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 4: New Jersey

New Jersey's fourth graders earned the No. 4 spot in the U.S. with their 238 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a view of the George Washington Bridge between Manhattan and New Jersey.

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A look at student performance by state

No. 3: Vermont

Vermont's fourth graders grabbed the No. 3 spot in the U.S. with their 238.5 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, the Winooski River is seen flowing in front of Vermont's state capitol building in Montpelier, Vt.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 2: New Hampshire

New Hampshire's fourth graders earned the No. 2 spot in the U.S. with their 240 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Here, a view of the New Hampshire statehouse in Concord, N.H.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state

No. 1: Massachusetts

Massachusetts' fourth graders earned the top spot in the U.S. with their 243 average reading and math scores on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress. The state scored 32.5 points higher than the lowest average scorer - Washington, D.C. - on the same tests.

Here, the Boston Common park and Boston skyline are seen.

Eye on Parenting
A look at student performance by state