Key Points:
- Record-low scores in math, reading, and science.
- Officials call it a national emergency despite heavy spending.
- Experts suggest teacher training, mental health support, and better resources.
The latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), widely known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” have revealed a concerning decline in student performance across the United States.
The data, collected from tests administered between January and March 2024, show that 12th-graders’ math and reading scores have reached record lows, continuing a downward trend that began long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Record Low Scores in Math, Reading, and Science Highlight Ongoing Challenges
According to the Nation’s Report Card, nearly 45% of high school seniors scored “below basic” in math — the highest proportion since this version of the test was introduced. Similarly, reading scores also fell, with almost one-third of seniors scoring below basic. The lowest-performing students averaged a score of 224, which is 25 points lower than similar students in 1992.
“These results should galvanize all of us to take concerted, focused action to accelerate student learning,” said Matthew Soldner, acting director of the Institute of Education Sciences. He emphasized that declines in student performance have persisted for over a decade and urged education stakeholders to prioritize efforts that directly support learning improvements.
In addition to math and reading, eighth-graders’ science scores also saw a drop, falling below 2019 levels and reversing gains made since the test began in 2009. These results further highlight widespread challenges in the education system and the need for sustained support in academic development.
Education Officials Call Decline a “National Emergency”
Education Secretary Linda McMahon addressed the findings, calling them “a devastating trend” and a “national emergency.” She pointed out that despite significant annual spending on education programs, results continue to decline. “We are spending a ton of money on education,” McMahon said. “We’ve spent $3 trillion since the Department of Education was established, only to see scores continuing to decline. That is just a trend we have to stop.”
McMahon stressed that focusing resources at the state level could better meet the specific needs of schools and students. She noted that funding may not always be directed to areas that produce measurable improvements, and that state-led initiatives might offer more targeted solutions for struggling students.
The Nation’s Report Card findings come amid growing concern over educational outcomes, particularly for students in underserved communities. Schools with high poverty rates and students in temporary housing are among those most affected by resource gaps and academic underperformance. These trends have prompted calls from educators to refine intervention strategies and better align funding with classroom needs.
Strategies to Reverse the Trend
Experts believe that improving student achievement will require a multifaceted approach. Strengthening teacher training, investing in curriculum resources, and enhancing remote learning opportunities are among the suggested strategies. Moreover, it’s widely agreed that supporting students’ mental health and creating equitable access to learning materials will play an essential role in reversing declining scores.
Educators are also considering how schools can address the learning gaps left from pandemic disruptions and years of educational inequities. Many schools are implementing after-school programs, summer learning camps, and mentorship initiatives to assist students in catching up academically.
The Nation’s Report Card serves as a critical tool for understanding where the U.S. education system stands and what challenges lie ahead. By highlighting areas that need attention, the report encourages schools, teachers, and policymakers to work together in addressing academic disparities and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.
With these findings, educators and school leaders are being urged to prioritize targeted interventions and strengthen classroom instruction so that students can regain lost ground and thrive in an increasingly competitive world.