High schoolers’ reading, math scores drop to lowest level in decades

High schoolers’ reading and math scores dropped to the lowest level in decades, along with declines in science scores from eighth graders, according to the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), the gold standard exam for comparing student achievement over the years.

The results on what is commonly known as the Nation’s Report Card are the first for these groups since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 12th grade reading, the average score dropped to the lowest in the history of the exam, which began in 1992, with 32 percent scoring below “basic.” All students, except those in the highest percentile, saw declines.  

In 12th grade math, 45 percent scored below “basic,” the lowest since 2005.  

Eighth graders did not fare much better for science, with 38 percent scoring below “basic,” meaning they likely can’t remember basic facts such as that plants need sun to grow and reproduce.  

“Despite spending billions annually on numerous 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,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said. 

“The lesson is clear. Success isn’t about how much money we spend, but who controls the money and where that money is invested. That’s why President Trump and I are committed to returning control of education to the states so they can innovate and meet each school and students’ unique needs,” she added. 

Not only have NAEP achievement gaps between the highest and lowest performing students largely increased between 2019 and 2024, but only 33 percent of 12th graders are now considered college-ready on math and 35 percent for reading, both down from 2019.  

Declines in the Nation’s Report Card began before COVID-19, but chronic absenteeism and other factors have exacerbated the fall. There is no one answer to why scores have been dropping, but states are trying different strategies to combat the fall, including changes to how reading and math are taught.

“Looking at these NAEP assessments, we see a clear story that tells us students need more support to thrive in school and succeed across core subjects and across grades,” said former North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue (D), who chairs the National Assessment Governing Board. “If policymakers and education leaders fail to act now, students — and employers — will feel the impact of declining skills and knowledge gaps as the global workforce becomes more and more competitive. That bodes badly for them and badly for our country.” 

Updated at 10 a.m. EDT