What's happened
Recent NAEP results show U.S. students' scores in reading, math, and science have declined to historic lows in 2024, with high school seniors performing worse than ever. The scores reflect pandemic disruptions and ongoing educational challenges, with significant declines among the lowest-performing students. Experts call for urgent reforms.
What's behind the headline?
The NAEP scores for 2024 underscore a systemic failure in American education, exacerbated by pandemic-related disruptions. The decline in proficiency among the lowest-performing students signals that existing reforms and spending increases are ineffective. The data suggests that more money, especially when directed toward administrative salaries and non-teaching staff, does not translate into better outcomes. States like Massachusetts, which maintained steady payroll increases, still achieved top scores, indicating that targeted, evidence-based strategies are more effective than broad spending hikes. The gender gap in STEM has widened again, with girls falling behind due to lapses in engagement programs during COVID, and a shift toward rote learning that favors boys. The scores reveal that the focus on 'progressive' and 'equity' initiatives, often disconnected from proven teaching methods, may be hindering actual learning. The decline in high school proficiency levels threatens future workforce readiness and economic competitiveness, making urgent, evidence-based reforms essential. The scores also highlight the need for a return to rigorous, content-rich curricula and accountability for results, rather than bureaucratic spending and politically motivated curriculum changes. The next steps should involve restoring focus on foundational skills, rigorous teacher training, and accountability measures that prioritize student achievement over political or ideological agendas.
What the papers say
The articles from the NY Post, including insights from the Post Editorial Board and independent analyses, emphasize that increased spending does not correlate with improved student performance. They highlight that states like Utah, which increased spending significantly, saw minimal gains, while others like Hawaii achieved better results with minimal expenditure. The reports criticize the proliferation of administrative and 'equity' positions that divert funds from core instruction. Critics argue that the focus on bureaucratic expansion and politically driven curricula has contributed to the decline. Conversely, some sources point to successful examples like Massachusetts and Southern states, which have maintained steady, targeted investments and evidence-based practices, resulting in better scores. The debate centers on whether increased funding or strategic reforms are the key to reversing the trend, with the consensus leaning toward the latter, as the data shows that simply throwing money at the problem is ineffective.
How we got here
The latest NAEP assessments, conducted in early 2024, reveal a sharp decline in student performance across core subjects, with scores at their lowest since the assessments began. The scores are a continuation of pre-existing trends worsened by COVID-19 disruptions, including school closures, absenteeism, and shifts in teaching methods. The pandemic notably impacted the progress made in closing gender gaps in STEM, with girls losing ground in math scores, and highlighted issues in literacy instruction, which has shifted toward shorter texts and less stamina-building reading. The political landscape, including recent department cuts and reduced testing, has further complicated efforts to address these issues.
Go deeper
Common question
-
How Are Schools Addressing the Post-Pandemic Gender Gap in STEM?
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted education, especially in STEM fields where girls have fallen behind in math and science scores. As schools work to recover and bridge this gender gap, many are implementing new initiatives to support girls and promote gender equality in STEM. Curious about what’s being done and how you can help? Below are some common questions and answers about the efforts to close the STEM gender gap after the pandemic.
-
Why Are US Student Scores Declining? What’s Behind the Trend?
Recent reports reveal that US student scores in key subjects like reading and math have hit historic lows. This alarming trend raises questions about the causes behind the decline, the impact on disadvantaged students, and what can be done to turn things around. Below, we explore the main factors contributing to this decline and what it means for the future of education in the US.
-
Why Are US Student Test Scores Dropping?
Recent declines in US student test scores have raised serious concerns about the state of education in America. Scores in reading, math, and science have hit historic lows, especially among high school seniors. Many factors contribute to this decline, including pandemic disruptions, systemic issues, and policy changes. Curious about what’s behind these trends and what can be done? Keep reading for answers to your most pressing questions.
-
How Are Conflicts Like in Gaza Affecting Children and Education Worldwide?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has far-reaching impacts beyond the immediate violence. Children are among the most vulnerable, facing threats to their health, safety, and education. This page explores how such conflicts influence children globally, what long-term effects they face, and what international efforts are underway to protect young lives. Learn about the humanitarian responses, including evacuations and aid, and understand the broader implications of war on future generations.
-
How Are Countries Responding to Education Challenges?
Recent declines in student performance worldwide have sparked urgent discussions about education reform. From the US to the UK, countries are exploring new strategies to address systemic issues, pandemic disruptions, and outdated teaching methods. Curious about what reforms are being proposed, how other nations are coping, and what innovative solutions are emerging? Read on to find out how governments are tackling these pressing education challenges and what it means for students everywhere.
More on these topics
-
Linda Marie McMahon ( mək-MAN; née Edwards; born October 4, 1948) is an American administrator, business executive and former professional wrestling executive who has served as the 13th United States secretary of education since 2025. A member of the...
-
The National Assessment of Educational Progress is the largest continuing and nationally representative assessment of what U.S. students know and can do in various subjects.
-
William Morgan Cassidy is an American physician and politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Louisiana, a seat he was elected to in 2014.
-
Louisiana is a state in the Deep South region of the South Central United States. It is the 19th-smallest by area and the 25th most populous of the 50 U.S. states.