Decline in High School Students’ Reading and Math Performance

News Summary

Recent data from the National Assessment of Education Progress reveals a concerning drop in high school seniors’ reading and math performance, reaching lows not seen in over two decades. The percentage of 12th graders scoring below basic proficiency has risen dramatically, with factors like increased screen time and reduced reading material contributing to the trend. This decline emphasizes the widening achievement gaps and has sparked discussions on education reforms and the impact of teaching methods on student engagement and literacy.

Washington, D.C. – High school students across the nation are grappling with a persistent decline in reading and math performance, with recent data revealing that scores among 12th graders have reached their lowest levels in over two decades. According to findings released on Tuesday from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), often referred to as the nation’s report card, this trend marks a significant decline over the past ten years.

The newly reported data indicates that 32% of high school seniors scored below the basic proficiency level in reading, while an alarming 45% fell below basic in math—the highest percentage for math since 2005. Furthermore, only a third of high school seniors are now considered prepared for college-level math, a decrease from 37% in 2019. The overall average reading score for 2024 stands at its lowest since NAEP’s inception in 1992.

The NAEP assessments were the first to be conducted in reading and math for 12th graders and in science for 8th graders since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The disappointing results continue a downward trend previously observed in earlier assessments, and they highlight widening achievement gaps that experts attribute to a variety of factors beyond the pandemic. Among these factors are increased screen time, shortened attention spans, and a shift toward shorter texts in educational practices.

The shift in teaching methods, especially in English and language arts, has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of books being read in high school settings. Currently, some high school classes assign as few as three books per year, a stark contrast to around 20 books assigned two decades ago. This reduction is believed to have contributed to the downturn in student engagement and literacy skills.

Eighth-grade students have not been spared from the decline, as data also reveals significant drops in science skills. The performance gap is particularly pronounced in this age group, especially in inquiry-based learning activities critical for comprehending scientific concepts. Reports suggest that fewer eighth graders are engaging in these activities compared to previous years, potentially stunting their understanding of essential scientific principles.

The alarming trends have prompted calls for reform in education funding and curriculum standards. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has highlighted the need for states to regain more control over educational spending, asserting that this will help address the widening achievement gaps. On the other hand, House Democrats, including several representatives, have voiced concerns that dismantling the Education Department would exacerbate educational inequalities and negatively impact student outcomes.

While the pandemic undoubtedly impacted education, experts believe that the declines in student performance began prior to 2020, indicating that a complex mix of issues has contributed to the overall decrease in achievement. During the pandemic, schools faced significant challenges in providing hands-on learning experiences, which are particularly important for maintaining student engagement and comprehension.

Data from the NAEP was collected between January and March 2024, revealing a stark reality about the current state of American education. The decline in performance not only threatens the academic future of the current high school graduates but may also have long-term implications for the workforce and society as a whole, as students struggle to meet basic educational standards.

As educators and policymakers analyze these findings, there is an urgent need to consider strategies that not only address the immediate effects of the pandemic but also the broader educational challenges faced by high school students. With pressing issues like screen time and instructional approaches needing attention, stakeholders must work collaboratively to reverse the downward trend in student achievement.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Evanston School Board Faces Budget Crisis and Potential Closures
Transformations in Ohio’s Construction Industry
Safety Concerns Lead to Football Game Cancellation in Chattanooga
Texas A&M Board Approves Construction of Aplin Center
Food Bank of Iowa Launches Programs to Address Student Food Insecurity
Philadelphia School Board Addresses Transportation Challenges
Knox County Schools Shine in U.S. News Rankings
Top Chicago High Schools Ranked Among Nation’s Best
Top High Schools in Pennsylvania Revealed
UMass Chan Medical School Launches Accelerated MD Program

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