Middle School Math
in North Carolina

A key focus of middle school math instruction is to prepare students for success in Math 1, which is the first high school math course for North Carolina students. Math 1 proficiency is recognized as a critical milestone for college readiness and lifetime achievement. Students who successfully complete Math 1 by the end of 9th grade are far more likely to graduate high school on time, enroll in postsecondary education, and pursue STEM-related careers. Conversely, students who struggle with Math 1 often face lower college completion rates and reduced earning potential in adulthood.

Middle School Math Proficiency

In the latest National Assessment for Education Progress (NAEP) report on students’ academic achievement in reading and math, North Carolina stood out as one of five states nationwide that significantly improved in 8th grade math, tying with Tennessee as the top-ranking state in the Southeast. Importantly, North Carolina outpaced or tied the national average in nearly all subgroups.

While the recent NAEP results are promising, 8th grade math results remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels, and only 31% of North Carolina’s 8th grade students are considered college and career ready in math.

Figure 1: NAEP 8th Grade Math Proficiency (2009 to 2024)

Factors Contributing to Growth

In the 2018–19 school year, North Carolina implemented an automatic enrollment policy for math. Beginning in fourth grade, the policy requires school districts to place students who score a five on their end of grade assessment into advanced math courses.

The improvements in middle school math may also be attributed, at least in part, to students’ access to more rigorous course work, including explicit (directly taught) and systematic (presented in a structured, logical sequence) instruction in key mathematical concepts enabling students develop a strong foundation in middle school math content before progressing to more complex topics.