West Virginia eighth grade reading scores have remained statistically consistent over the past several years,  according to the American Center for Education Statistics.  Reading test scores in 1998 and 2002 were higher than the national average. In 2003 the average West Virginia test score was one point lower than the national average.  Since 2003, average eighth grade reading test scores in West Virginia have fluctuated within a five point span, showing no statistical increases or decreases.  Even though West Virginia scores fell below the national average in 2003 through 2009, there was not a significant difference between West Virginia scores and the nations other public schools.  In 2009, there is only a seven point variance between the average national score and West Virginia’s scores. During the eleven years of testing data published there has been a nine point span for fluctuation in West Virginia reading scores, which is not statistically significant.  Also, it should be noted that the average scores stated do not account for standard error. West Virginia has shown improvement in closing the achievement gap for some subgroups.  In 2009, Black students had an average score that was five points lower than that of White students , closing the achievement gap from 14 points in 1998.  In conclusion, average West Virginia eighth grade reading scores are comparable with the average national eighth grade reading scores. Of course, there is always room for improvement in education, and that is true for West Virginia as well.