Introduction to the Decline in US High School Students’ Performance
The latest results from the National Assessment of Education Progress, often referred to as the nation’s report card, indicate a concerning trend in the performance of US high school students in reading and math. The data, released in September 2025, shows that 12th graders’ scores have dropped to their lowest level in over 20 years. This decline is part of a broader downward trend observed across different grade levels and subjects, painting a worrisome picture of the academic progress of US schools.
The Extent of the Decline
Eighth-grade students have also shown significant declines in science skills, according to the National Assessment of Education Progress. The assessments, which were the first since the pandemic for eighth graders in science and 12th graders in reading and math, reflect a downward drift that has been consistent across previous releases from NAEP. This downward trend is particularly alarming because NAEP is considered one of the most reliable gauges of the academic progress of US schools.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
Matthew Soldner, the acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, emphasized that the scores for the lowest-performing students are at historic lows. He called for concerted and focused action to accelerate student learning. While the pandemic has had a significant impact on student achievement, experts believe that the falling scores are part of a longer arc in education that cannot be solely attributed to COVID-19, school closures, and related issues such as heightened absenteeism. Potential underlying factors include increased screen time among children, shortened attention spans, and a decline in reading longer-form writing both in and out of school.
Shifts in Educational Approach
The dip in reading scores has appeared alongside a shift in how English and language arts are taught in schools, with an emphasis on short texts and book excerpts. Carol Jago, associate director of the California Reading and Literature Project at UCLA, noted that as a high school English teacher 20 years ago, it was common for her high school students to read 20 books over the course of a year. Now, some English classes are assigning just three books a year. Jago emphasized the importance of building reading stamina, suggesting that the current approach may not adequately prepare students to engage with more complex texts.
Political Responses to the Decline
Education Secretary Linda McMahon pointed to the scores as evidence of why the administration wants to give states more control over education spending. She noted that despite significant annual spending on K-12 programs, the achievement gap is widening, and more high school seniors are performing below the basic benchmark in math and reading than ever before. In contrast, House Democrats argued that the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Education Department will only hurt students, and that the declines show a need for federal investment in academic recovery and educational equity.
Fewer Students Show Basic Proficiency
The test scores indicate that more students are not reaching what would be considered “basic” achievement across subject areas. Lesley Muldoon, executive director of the National Assessment Governing Board, noted that while NAEP’s definition of “proficient” is a high bar, it is not an unreasonable one, and it is based on what researchers believe students should be able to achieve by the end of high school. Muldoon expressed concern that these students are taking their next steps in life with fewer skills and less knowledge in core academics than their predecessors a decade ago, at a time when society demands more from future workers and citizens.
Achievement Gaps Are Widening
The gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students was its widest ever among eighth-grade science students, reflecting growing inequality in the American school system. The achievement gap also widened in 12th-grade math. Furthermore, the scores reflect the re-emergence of a gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and math courses, with girls seeing a steeper decline in scores compared to boys. This trend is concerning, as schools had largely closed the gender gap in math and science in previous years.
Conclusion
The decline in US high school students’ performance in reading and math, as highlighted by the National Assessment of Education Progress, is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. The factors contributing to this decline are complex and multifaceted, involving not just the pandemic but also broader shifts in education and societal trends. Addressing these issues will require a concerted effort from educators, policymakers, and the community to ensure that US schools can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly demanding world.
FAQs
- Q: What does the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) measure?
A: The NAEP measures student achievement in various subjects, including reading, math, and science, and is considered a key indicator of the academic progress of US schools. - Q: How have high school students’ scores in reading and math changed over time?
A: According to the latest NAEP results, 12th graders’ scores in reading and math have dropped to their lowest level in over 20 years, indicating a significant decline in student performance. - Q: What factors are believed to contribute to the decline in student performance?
A: Experts point to a range of factors, including the impact of the pandemic, increased screen time, shortened attention spans, and changes in educational approaches, such as a shift towards shorter texts and book excerpts in English classes. - Q: How are achievement gaps affected by the decline in student performance?
A: The decline in student performance has led to widening achievement gaps, with the gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students being its widest ever among eighth-grade science students, and a re-emergence of a gender gap in STEM subjects. - Q: What actions are being proposed to address the decline in student performance?
A: There are calls for concerted and focused action to accelerate student learning, including potential changes in educational policies and practices, and investments in academic recovery and educational equity.
