The latest NAEP science results 2024 data delivers a wake-up call. Middle school science performance has declined to its lowest levels in over a decade. Only one in three students is meeting proficiency benchmarks. Let’s examine why science test scores are declining and how districts and science educators can respond right now.
Only 31% of 8th graders are proficient in science.
That’s the lowest in over a decade. But this isn’t just a testing issue. It’s a teaching issue. A resource issue. A leadership issue.
And ultimately, it’s a future-readiness issue for your students.
Want an action plan to address this issue at your school? At EdforTech, we help busy K-12 school leaders with expert-led science and engineering institutes. Get your free plan here:
Science Achievement Recovery Plan
Where should we send your guide?
The 2024 NAEP science results paint a concerning picture. Average 8th-grade science scores dropped by 3–4 points compared to 2019. This effectively rolls back 15 years of hard-won progress.
Key Takeaways for Principals and Administrators
For School Leaders: Science scores have dropped significantly. However, targeted professional development focused on hands-on learning can reverse this trend. Use existing Title I and Title II funding to make it happen.
For District Administrators: The decline isn’t just about test scores. It’s about preparing students for future STEM careers and addressing widening equity gaps that threaten long-term district goals.
For Everyone: Science test scores are declining. Immediate action is needed. But practical solutions exist that don’t require massive budget overhauls. Seven strategies to implement are included here.
EDforTech offers an Engineering and Science institute that provides practical, immediately applicable strategies for hands-on Science and Engineering Practices (SEP).
Prefer to Listen? Here is a Podcast that you can play with key points taken from this article. Listen while walking the dog, eating lunch, or driving to school.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: NAEP Science Results 2024
The 2024 NAEP science results paint a concerning picture of science test scores declining. Average 8th-grade science scores dropped by 3–4 points compared to 2019. This effectively rolls back 15 years of hard-won progress.
The statistics of science test scores declining are even more sobering when you look deeper:
- Only 31% of students scored at or above NAEP Proficient—down from 35% in 2019
- 38% scored below NAEP Basic—the highest share since 2009
- To put this in perspective: a student scoring below “Basic” might not even know that plants need sunlight to grow and reproduce
For principals juggling multiple priorities, this data represents more than just numbers. It signals that students are leaving middle school without the foundational science knowledge they need for high school success.
Science Achievement Recovery Plan
Where should we send your guide?
What’s Behind the Decline in Science Scores?
The NAEP data reveals four critical factors driving this concerning trend:
1. Less Hands-On Science Instruction
Only 14% of 8th graders reported regularly engaging in scientific practices like experiments or data analysis. This is down from 17% in 2019. When students aren’t actively doing science, they’re not truly learning science.
2. Shrinking Classroom Resources
The resource crunch is real. Teachers without access to science textbooks increased from 10% to 17%. Those lacking supplementary materials rose from 18% to 25%. Educators are being asked to do more with less. Teachers need more resources and training to effectively teach hands-on science.
3. Declining Student Interest in Science
Perhaps most alarming, students expressing high interest in science dropped from 38% in 2019 to just 28% in 2024. When students lose interest, achievement follows. Focus shifted in recent years to math and ELA recovery. Classroom teachers had little time to also engage students in science.
4. Widening Science Achievement Gaps
The science achievement gap between highest- and lowest-performing students has expanded dramatically. Gender gaps that had been narrowing have reemerged—with girls experiencing steeper declines.
Declining Science Achievement Demands Immediate Action
The Long-Term Stakes of Science Test Scores Declining
Students without strong science foundations struggle in future STEM pursuits. This limits both individual opportunities and our collective workforce readiness. In an increasingly technology-driven economy, these gaps will only compound over time.
The Equity Crisis in Science Achievement
High-poverty schools face the steepest declines. This threatens to widen existing opportunity gaps. For district leaders focused on equity outcomes, science achievement represents a critical intervention point.
The Importance of Science Education Professional Development
Incremental professional development isn’t enough. The data demands bold, targeted action that transforms how science is taught and learned. Teachers who don’t feel supported often leave or quit the profession altogether.
Science Achievement Recovery Plan
Where should we send your guide?
“Professional development that is sustained, collaborative, and directly connected to teachers’ classroom practice has the strongest impact on student achievement.” — Learning Policy Institute (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017)
A Proven Solution: Engineering Design & Science Institutes
EDforTech’s Engineering Design & Science Institutes aren’t another “one-size-fits-all” PD program. They’re purpose-built for K–5 and 6–8 teachers who need practical, immediately applicable strategies for hands-on Science and Engineering Practices (SEP).
Science Teaching Strategies Designed for Real Classrooms
- Flexible Formats: Choose from 3 to 12-hour intensive sessions. These deliver immediate classroom transformation without overwhelming already-stretched schedules.
- Practical Focus: Topics include integrating engineering design, inquiry-based science instruction, and effective SEP implementation. All strategies work with existing resources.
- Ongoing Support: Comprehensive leadership consultation and our EDforTech Coaching model provide job-embedded professional support when teachers need it most.
NSTA research proves this works. Sustained, job-embedded STEM professional development creates measurable confidence gains.
Confident teachers also stay longer. They feel valued and capable. This strengthens retention in your district.
Somerton AZ teachers participate in a hands-on Engineering Design & Science Institute by EdforTech. “Even if you feel like me, scared and unsure of how to start Science, this PD is for you!” Somerton Teacher
7 Ways to Improve Science Test Scores
Address the problem of Science Test Scores Declining with these proven strategies:
- Inquiry-Based Learning – A Proven Fix: Hands-on, inquiry-based K-8 science education creates deeper learning. Students explore real phenomena, ask questions, and test ideas. They build confidence through problem-solving, collaboration, and discussion. With this approach, teachers align with science standards while helping students develop the critical thinking skills scientists and engineers use every day.
- Restore Hands-On Science: Move away from passively memorizing facts. Reintroduce the instructional approaches proven to boost science performance. Teachers learn to guide students in making claims and supporting them with evidence using scientific methods. They help students learn the importance of making a claim, defending that claim, and how scientific methods can uncover observable phenomena that make the basis of truth or fact.
- Maximize Limited Resources: When textbooks and materials are scarce, equip teachers to deliver engaging, inquiry-rich lessons with what they have, including the use of recycled materials. Also use funding sources to provide hands-on materials and STEM labs in the back of classrooms.
- Rebuild Student Interest: When teachers feel confident and equipped with effective strategies, they can spark students’ natural curiosity about how the world works. By integrating engaging tools such as robotics, game design, automated vehicles, and even AI and machine learning, classrooms come alive with real-world connections. These experiences help students see that science isn’t abstract—it’s relevant to their lives and future careers. The result is higher engagement, stronger motivation, and a renewed excitement for learning science.
- Encourage Students to Think Like Scientists: Research shows inquiry and student discussion are more effective than lectures. The 5E model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—guides each unit. In EdforTech’s Science and Engineering PD we demonstrate how teachers use it to develop science lessons. We also show how to include intervention and acceleration so teachers can meet every student’s needs.
- Close Achievement Gaps: Encourage teachers to look closely at classroom data to identify where gaps exist. Whether among English learners, students with disabilities, or those from underserved backgrounds. Then support them in using targeted strategies such as small-group instruction, scaffolds, and culturally relevant examples to connect lessons to students’ experiences. When teachers pair these supports with consistent progress monitoring, they see results. This includes more equitable outcomes and steady growth for every student—not just the ones already performing at grade level.
- Follow the UDL Framework: A differentiated support model is grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. The UDL framework helps teachers move beyond one-size-fits-all instruction by planning from the start for diverse learners. In science, that might mean presenting a concept through a video, an interactive simulation, and a hands-on lab—not just a lecture. It could mean letting students explain their understanding with a model or presentation instead of only a written test. By giving multiple ways to access, engage with, and show understanding of the material, UDL boosts motivation, equity, and performance. When your teachers apply UDL, you’ll see more students actively engaged in science—and stronger test results across the board.
Title I and II funding for Science Education
Don’t let budget constraints delay action. Our institutes align perfectly with federal funding priorities:
Title I Applications: Use funds to drive SEP-rich instruction precisely where students are struggling most. Target the schools and populations showing the steepest NAEP science score declines.
Title II Strategy: Invest in teacher capacity-building that directly impacts student outcomes. Meet federal requirements while addressing your district’s most pressing science education needs.
Both funding streams prioritize exactly what our institutes deliver: improved teacher practice, better engagement, and enhanced student achievement in science.
Many states now offer STEM/CS education grants, equity-based funding initiatives, or learning targeted funds for helping high-risk student groups. Schools can also use General Funds or State Instructional Materials accounts allocated from the state per pupil allocation based on average daily attendance (ADA).
“Professional development that is sustained, collaborative, and directly connected to teachers’ classroom practice has the strongest impact on student achievement.” — Learning Policy Institute (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017)
Science Achievement Recovery Plan
Where should we send your guide?
Your Next Steps to District-wide Science Improvement
Step 1: Get the Roadmap
Download our free Science Achievement Recovery Plan. This practical resource breaks down immediate steps you can take while evaluating comprehensive solutions.
Step 2: Transform Science Professional Development
Use the Action Plan as your springboard into our expert-led science and engineering design institutes. These intensive 3–18 hour sessions give K–5 and 6–8 teachers the confidence and tools to implement Science and Engineering Practices effectively. Contact us to talk with a consultant about your PD or Institute now.
Step 3: Title I & II Funds – Underused Yet Ideal for Science PD
Don’t let budget concerns delay critical action. These institutes qualify for Title I and Title II funding, as well as many state and regional STEM/CS initiatives. Funding enables you to act now without straining local resources.
The NAEP data is clear: science achievement is declining. Traditional approaches aren’t working. But with targeted professional development that focuses on hands-on, inquiry-based instruction, we can turn these trends around.
Step 4: Get Personalized Support
Book a free 15-minute consultation. Let’s build confident teachers, curious students, and stronger science outcomes — together.
ROI of Professional Development: What K-12 Leaders Need to Know
Every day you delay this decision is a day of lost opportunity. Consider what happens if you wait:.
- The problem is widespread: 7 out of 10 K-8 teachers feel unprepared for STEM
- Confidence affects students: Hesitant teachers create disengaged students
- Training works: Sustained STEM PD improves teacher confidence, retention, and student achievement
- Timing matters: Starting now gives teachers a full school year to build skills
- Funding is available: Title II and Title IV funds can cover comprehensive science and STEM PD
| Reverse the Decline in Science Scores Before It’s Too Late Grounded in the latest NAEP data, this plan gives district leaders a step-by-step framework to recover lost ground and accelerate science learning. This guide includes: ✅ A breakdown of what’s behind the science score decline ✅ A 5-step recovery action plan for school leaders ✅ A proven, flexible PD solution that’s fundable with Title I, II, and local/state grants ✅ A clear path to boost science achievement and teacher confidence — starting now |
Science Achievement Recovery Plan
Where should we send your guide?
Questions about improving science confidence in your teachers?
Book a free 15-minute consultation. From using data to plan your science programs, to implementation, to celebrating wins, we’ll help you overcome obstacles. Together, we’ll make science education a key investment in your teachers’ and students’ and communities’ futures.
FAQs: Improving Science Scores
Still have questions about supporting educators or STEM professional development?
Contact us. Our STEM education specialists will provide a free consultation to navigate science education and funding solutions.
(This article was generated as a collaborative effort between the human author, Linda Nichols-Plowman, CEO of EDforTech and the AI assistants, Chat GPT 5 and Claude Sonet).
Additional Resources
- There are many other grants for STEM education from government agencies, non-profits, and foundations. Find out more in this blog post.
- Research & Data Sources:
- The Nations Report Card: Science – https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/science/2024/
- NAEP Report – National Assessment Governing Board https://www.nagb.gov/naep/science.html
- National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) – Professional learning research and science education best practices
https://www.nsta.org/ - Learning Policy Institute – Research on effective professional development and teacher preparation
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/ - EdReports.org – Independent reviews of K-12 instructional materials for science and STEM subjects
https://www.edreports.org/
- Standards & Guidelines:
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) – Three-dimensional learning framework and implementation guides
https://www.nextgenscience.org/ - National Science Foundation (NSF) – STEM education research and teacher preparation studies
https://www.nsf.gov/ - Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) – K-12 computer science standards and teacher preparation guidelines
https://csteachers.org/
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) – Three-dimensional learning framework and implementation guides
- Federal Funding Information:
- U.S. Department of Education – Title II Supporting Effective Instruction – Title II funding guidelines and requirements
https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/formula-grants/school-improvement-grants/supporting-effective-instruction-state-grants-title-ii-part - U.S. Department of Education – Title IV Student Support and Academic Enrichment – Title IV funding guidelines and requirements
https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/formula-grants/school-improvement/student-support-and-academic-enrichment-program - Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) – Federal education funding opportunities and compliance requirements
https://www.ed.gov/essa - Education Commission of the States – 50 State Comparison:K-12 Funding 2024 https://www.ecs.org/50-state-comparison-k-12-funding-2024/
- Peterson Foundation – How is K-12 Education Funded https://www.pgpf.org/article/how-is-k-12-education-funded/
- U.S. Department of Education – Title II Supporting Effective Instruction – Title II funding guidelines and requirements
- Professional Development Research:
- Institute of Education Sciences – Research on professional development effectiveness and ROI
https://ies.ed.gov/ - International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) – Technology integration and AI literacy standards for educators
https://www.iste.org/
- Institute of Education Sciences – Research on professional development effectiveness and ROI
