Overview
- The Nation’s Report Card finds only 22% of 12th‑graders proficient in math and 35% in reading, and it shows additional declines in eighth‑grade science.
- Declines are concentrated among the lowest performers, with record lows at the 10th and 25th percentiles and rising shares of seniors scoring below the Basic level.
- NAEP survey data show 31% of seniors missed three or more school days in the prior month in 2024, up from 26% in 2019.
- NCES says the downturn predates the pandemic, while analysts debate roles for weakened accountability, social media and cell‑phone use, increased absenteeism, and pandemic disruption.
- Diagnosis is limited by a five‑year testing gap and no state data for 12th grade, even as the Education Department starts rehiring NAEP staff and leaders consider more frequent high school testing.