12th Grade Math and Reading Scores Hit Lowest in Decades - NAEP

Math and reading scores for American 12th-graders have fallen to their lowest levels in decades, with nearly half of high school seniors graduating without basic math skills, according to new national test results.

The Details: The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card, found that 45% of seniors scored below “basic” in math, and 32% scored below “basic” in reading in 2024. Thirty-eight percent of eighth graders scored below “basic” in science. The report also showed only 33% of high school seniors were considered college-ready in math, and 35% were college-ready in reading. The drop included students across racial and ethnic groups. 

For Context: Test scores have been falling since before the COVID-19 pandemic, which widely impacted education. NBC News (Lean Left bias) wrote educators believe other potential underlying factors include children’s increased screen time, shortened attention spans and a decline in reading longer-form writing both in and out of school.

How the Media Covered It: The Hill (Center) included the political divide between Republican and Democrat legislators, saying “Policymakers are struggling to find solutions to the decline in scores and pointing fingers across the aisle for the dismal results.” The New York Post (Lean Right) quoted House Education Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) saying, “Low academic skills don’t just hurt grades; they weaken our economy, workforce, and national security.” It said the Trump administration was preparing a “tool kit” of resources for educators to address test scores. Washington Post (Lean Left) mentioned the Trump administration proposed giving states more control over federal education funds while cutting overall spending, meanwhile, the department’s testing office faced layoffs and leadership changes.

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