Washington students are falling behind under the leadership of state Democrats.
Despite spending close to $20,000 annually per student, 4th grade reading test scores in Washington have declined every year since 2015, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress. The assessment measures 4th and 8th grade reading and math proficiency.
Reading proficiency by 3rd grade is widely recognized as a critical milestone, because students who cannot read proficiently by then are far more likely to struggle across all subjects in later grades.
Meanwhile, states like Mississippi, which have adopted data-driven reforms like those proposed by Rep. Michael Keaton, R-South Hill, have seen significant gains in academic outcomes.
Mississippi went from 50th in the nation for 4th grade reading to 7th, passing Washington for the first time ever.
During the 2025 session, Rep. Keaton introduced House Bill 1832 – the Building Opportunities for Student Success (BOSS) Act – to address learning loss and declining test scores.
You can watch the full conversation between Rep. Keaton and Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, on The Fix Washington Podcast.
