September 10, 2025

Educational Crisis: High School Students Struggle in Reading and Math

News Summary

High school students in the U.S. face a significant educational crisis as reading and math scores hit historic lows, according to the latest NAEP data. 12th graders have shown a consistent decline in their performance, with only one third prepared for college-level math. Experts attribute these challenges to increased screen time and changes in teaching approaches. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student engagement further complicates the situation. As achievement gaps widen, stakeholders urge for targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes.

Washington, D.C. – High school students across the United States are facing a significant educational crisis, with reading and math scores hitting historic lows. The latest data from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), known as the nation’s report card, reveals that 12th graders’ performance in these fundamental subjects has declined steadily over the past decade, reaching the lowest levels in over 20 years.

Released on a Tuesday, this data marks the first assessment since the COVID-19 pandemic for 12th graders in reading and math, as well as for 8th graders in science. The findings demonstrate a downward trend that has persisted through previous NAEP releases. The average reading score for high school seniors in 2024 was recorded as the lowest since the NAEP began its evaluations in 1992. In reading, 32% of high school seniors fell below the basic proficiency level, while the situation in math is even graver, with 45% of seniors unable to reach basic achievement, the highest recorded percentage since 2005.

Additionally, only one-third of high school seniors are deemed ready for college-level math, a decrease from 37% in 2019. These alarming statistics highlight the widening achievement gaps, particularly affecting the lowest-performing students who are now facing historic lows in their scores.

Experts attribute the continuing decline in student performance to various factors, many of which predate the pandemic. Increased screen time and shortened attention spans among students are contributing issues, compounded by a growing emphasis on shorter texts within educational settings. Recent shifts in teaching methodologies in English and language arts have resulted in fewer books being assigned in high school; some students now read only three books a year compared to around 20 two decades ago.

In the realm of science, 8th-grade students also demonstrated significant declines, with the performance gaps becoming more pronounced. The disparities are especially notable in eighth-grade science assessments and twelfth-grade math, suggesting that critical foundational knowledge is not being adequately developed. A regression has also been observed in inquiry-based learning, a key approach for grasping complex scientific concepts, as fewer eighth graders reported participation in such learning activities.

The education sector is under scrutiny as Education Secretary Linda McMahon has called for more autonomy for states in education spending. The potential dismantling of the Education Department has drawn criticism from certain lawmakers, who argue that such a move would exacerbate educational inequity and further deteriorate student outcomes.

Addressing the significant gaps, multiple stakeholders are expressing concern over the impacts of the pandemic on student engagement. Many schools faced challenges in providing hands-on learning experiences during the pandemic, which are crucial for fostering student interest and understanding in various subjects. These disruptions have raised alarms regarding the long-term implications on both academic performance and overall student engagement.

In the wake of these challenges, the need for targeted interventions and innovative educational strategies is now more pressing than ever. The results of the 2024 NAEP assessments serve as a stark reminder of the obstacles that lie ahead for educational institutions as they strive to elevate student performance and narrow achievement gaps. The road to recovery will require a concerted effort from educators, policymakers, and communities to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed academically and beyond.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.

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