Test scores of American Indian students nationwide still lag significantly behind their peers of other races, according to a recent study that focused on the academic progress of indigenous peoples.

And New Mexico’s scores are among the poorest, although eighth-grade reading scores have steadily improved since 2007. The state outperformed Alaska and Arizona, which did poorly in all grades and subjects.

The report was issued by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which administers math and reading tests to a sample of fourth- and eighth-graders in each state. The report focused specifically on how American Indian and Alaska Native students fared on the tests, comparing student performance in 12 states that have large proportions of Indian students.

New Mexico’s scores were below the national average for American Indians in all subject areas. However, the state’s average eighth-grade reading score has increased by seven points since 2007 – a statistically significant increase.

The analysis also looked at scores in Alaska, Arizona, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah and Washington.

According to the report, Oklahoma is generally getting the best results with its Indian population.

The report also found that nationwide, Indian student scores were significantly lower than the scores for all other students combined. The gaps were largest – 19 points – in fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math. The gap was narrowest for eighth-grade math, at a difference of 13 points.

Indian students in New Mexico, and nationwide, are faring best in fourth-grade math. In New Mexico, 57 percent of American Indian students scored “basic” or better on the test, meaning they showed partial mastery of fundamental skills. Nationally, that figure is 67 percent.

Scores were lowest across the board in fourth-grade reading. In New Mexico, 32 percent of Indian students scored “basic” or better, compared to 47 percent nationally.

The report also broke scores down based on the kinds of schools students attended, and found students who attended public schools scored higher than those at Bureau of Indian Education schools. New Mexico has 43 such schools throughout the state. Some are near urban areas, like Taos Day School, and others are in more remote parts of the state.

The report also included a survey of students and teachers that asked questions such as how much students learned about their native cultures, how often they talked to teachers and counselors about future plans and how often they read for enjoyment.

And although students in Bureau of Indian Education schools had lower test scores, they reported knowing more about their own history. Specifically, 82 percent said they knew “some” or “a lot” about their native history, compared to 58 percent of students who attended public schools that were not predominantly Indian. Among students at predominantly Indian public schools, 69 percent reported some knowledge of their history.

NOTE: This article appeared on page C1 of the Albuquerque Journal.