Washington, D.C., September 10, 2025
News Summary
A recent report indicates that high school students in the U.S. are facing significant declines in reading and math performance, with 12th graders hitting their lowest scores in over two decades. The assessments reveal that only 32% of high school seniors achieved basic proficiency in reading and an alarming 45% fell below the basic achievement level in math. These findings highlight a pressing need for educational reform as various factors, including increased screen time and changes in teaching methods, contribute to the trend. The implications of these results could widen educational disparities.
Washington, D.C. – A recent report reveals that high school students are facing a decade-long decline in reading and math performance, with 12th graders scoring at their lowest levels in over 20 years. Released on Tuesday by the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), the findings show alarming trends in academic achievement following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notably, the assessments, which are often referred to as the nation’s report card, indicate that the scores for reading and math have dropped significantly. In reading, only 32% of high school seniors reached at least basic proficiency, while a staggering 45% failed to meet the basic achievement level in math—the highest percentage since 2005. Furthermore, the average reading score recorded in 2024 reflects the lowest performance since the NAEP was established in 1992.
The results also shed light on eighth graders, who displayed considerable declines in science skills. These assessments mark the first to take place for 12th-grade reading and math since the pandemic, and for 8th-grade science. According to the data, there has been a continuous downward trend in performance across these grades.
Matthew Soldner, acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, highlighted that the scores for the lowest-performing students have reached historic lows, suggesting an urgent need for educational reform. Experts suggest that a variety of factors beyond the pandemic have contributed to these declines. Issues include increased screen time, shortened attention spans, and a shift in educational focus toward shorter texts in literacy and language arts.
Moreover, changes in teaching methods have seen high school students reading fewer books. Some classes are currently assigning as little as three books per year compared to approximately 20 two decades ago. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has called for states to gain more control over educational spending as achievement gaps continue to widen.
House Democrats, including Rep. Bobby Scott, have raised concerns that dismantling the Education Department could exacerbate educational inequities and worsen student outcomes. The recent data paint a concerning picture of educational disparities, especially with eighth-grade science and twelfth-grade math presenting significant gaps in performance.
A notable gender gap has also re-emerged, as girls have experienced a steeper decline in science and math scores since 2019. Less engagement in inquiry-based learning activities among eighth graders has been identified as a critical issue affecting their grasp of scientific concepts. Notably, fewer students have reported participating in hands-on learning experiences during the pandemic, which has had a detrimental effect on student engagement and understanding.
The findings are based on data collected from January to March 2024 and reveal pressing challenges within the educational landscape. Experts acknowledge that the declines in student performance have been in progress before the pandemic, indicating the necessity for systemic changes to improve educational outcomes.
Key Statistics from the NAEP Report
- 12th graders’ reading scores: lowest in over 20 years
- 45% of seniors below basic proficiency in math
- Only 33% of seniors prepared for college-level math
- 32% of high school seniors below basic proficiency in reading
Contributing Factors to Decline
- Increased screen time and shorter attention spans
- Shift in teaching focus to shorter texts
- Reduction in the number of books read in high school
Implications for Education Policy
- Call for increased state control over education funding
- Concerns about equity and the potential dismantling of the Education Department
FAQ Section
What is the NAEP?
The National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) is a nationwide assessment that measures the academic performance of students in various subjects, often referred to as the “nation’s report card.”
Why have high school reading and math scores declined?
Experts attribute the decline to multiple factors including increased screen time, changes in educational focus, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on student engagement and learning methods.
What are the current statistics for high school seniors in math and reading?
Currently, 45% of high school seniors scored below basic proficiency in math, and 32% scored below basic proficiency in reading, indicating a significant decline in academic performance.
What can be done to improve student performance?
Experts and education leaders are advocating for systemic changes, including more focus on comprehensive reading programs, equitable funding for education, and restoring hands-on learning experiences.
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Additional Resources
- KION546: Best Public Middle Schools in California
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- California Local: How California Measures School and Student Success
- Google Search: Educational success in California
- Newsweek: San Francisco Public Schools’ Equity Homework
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Fox News: San Francisco School District Ditches Grading Equity Program
- Google Scholar: Grading equity programs
- Mountain Enterprise: STAR Testing Results for El Tejon Unified School District
- Google News: Decline in education performance
- National Review: San Francisco High Schools’ Equity Grading Program
- CBS News: San Francisco Grading for Equity Backlash
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