Overview
- National results show 22% of seniors are proficient in math, the lowest since testing began in 2005, and 35% are proficient in reading with the average score at its lowest on record.
- The Labor Department said the federal system has failed students for years and backed returning more decision-making to states under the Trump administration’s approach.
- Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy called the figures a hard truth and said states must fix them, pointing to data that about three-quarters of eighth graders lack math proficiency.
- Social media reaction ranged from support for state action to criticism of political rhetoric, with some users urging leaders to focus on K‑12 results rather than immigration and H‑1B debates.
- Coverage revived comparisons with India’s more exam-focused system and higher board pass rates, and analysts warned of risks to college readiness and the STEM workforce pipeline.