A new report from the Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) shows that 12th graders’ math and reading scores have fallen to their lowest levels in over two decades. Math scores are the weakest since 2005, while reading scores have dropped to their lowest ever recorded.

Math: Nearly 45% of seniors scored below the “basic” level. Only about 33% are ready for college-level math—down from 37% in 2019.

Reading: About 32% scored below basic. The average score marks a new all-time low, suggesting widespread struggles with reading comprehension.
AP News

It’s not just high schoolers—8th graders also saw significant drops in science performance.
 

What’s Behind the Slide?

This academic slide isn’t new or solely due to COVID-19. Instead, it continues a downward trend that began long before the pandemic. Experts point to deeper issues such as:

More screen time and shorter attention spans

Less exposure to full-length books and deeper reading

Evolving teaching methods that may not support sustained learning.