US Students Post Historic Lows in Math, Reading, Science 2024

The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results reveal a continuing decline in American students' academic performance, with 12th graders reaching their lowest reading and math scores in over 20 years and eighth graders showing significant drops in science proficiency. Nearly half of high school seniors score below basic levels in math and reading, highlighting a deepening achievement gap exacerbated by factors predating the COVID-19 pandemic, such as shortened attention spans and reduced engagement with complex texts and inquiry-based STEM learning. Despite substantial federal spending on K-12 education, the gains have diminished, and the Trump administration's budget cuts, including layoffs at the Institute of Education Sciences and cancellations of national assessments, have raised concerns about the capacity to monitor and improve student outcomes. The widening disparities are particularly pronounced among low-performing students and have reintroduced gender gaps in science scores, with girls experiencing steeper declines. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the urgency of addressing these historic lows to better prepare students for workforce and higher education challenges. Experts and officials call for systemic reforms and focused action to reverse the decades-long downward trend in educational achievement.