Fourth grade math scores stagnated for the first time in two decades on a prominent nationwide test, prompting calls for new efforts to improve teacher content knowledge and stirring discussion of the potential benefits of setting more-uniform academic standards across states. The results on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, released last week, marked the first time since 1990 that math scores at the elementary school level did not rise. Scores among 8th graders on NAEP, sometimes referred to as "the nation's report card," continued to climb, as they have consistently over the past 20 years. A few states defied nationwide trends and progressed in both 4th and 8th grades. Three of those states, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, drew particular attention because they have participated in a joint venture to establish common standards and assessments, known as the New England Common Assessment Program, or NECAP. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said the flat 4th grade scores show the need to reward teachers who bring about student academic gains, improve data collection on achievement, and set higher academic standards.