A new report shows that most American fourth and eighth graders did not do well on math and reading tests. The latest so-called “Nation’s Report Card” was released last week. There were some exceptions. Students in Washington, DC, made important gains in both reading and math this year, according to the National Assessment of Education Progress. Students in the state of Mississippi also made major improvements compared to earlier reports. Nationally, however, America’s eighth graders are falling behind in math and reading. And, math scores among fourth graders also decreased. A little more than one-third of eighth graders are proficient in reading and math. Proficient means to be skilled at doing something. About a third of fourth graders are proficient readers. Over 40 percent are considered proficient in math.