New Nation’s Report Card Reveals Alarming Declines in Science, Math, and Reading Scores: What You Need to Know

New results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the Nation’s Report Card, reveal some troubling trends. Eighth-graders’ science scores have dipped by 4 points since 2019. Similarly, 12th-graders saw drops in math and reading scores, both down by 3 points.

The tests were held earlier this year, between January and March 2024. This is the first NAEP score release since significant cuts were made to the U.S. Education Department during the Trump administration. These cuts included layoffs of over half the staff at the Institute of Education Sciences, the team responsible for tracking student achievement.

The impact of those cuts has been far-reaching. The department canceled roughly half of the planned national and state assessments through 2032. This affects many tests, especially for 12th-graders.

NAEP, established by Congress, is the largest nationwide assessment of learning. It began in 1969 and provides a snapshot of student performance in math and reading, testing a wide range of students every two years in fourth and eighth grades. For 12th-graders, assessments occur every four years. There are also optional tests in other subjects.

When looking specifically at 12th-graders, reading scores decreased for all, except for the highest achievers. Compared to the first NAEP reading assessment in 1992, current scores are about 10 points lower. Matthew Soldner, the acting director of IES, shared that the situation for the lowest-performing students is critical: “Scores for our lowest-performing students are at historic lows.” He has noted that declines have been ongoing for over a decade.

Scores in math mirrored those in reading, showing a decline compared to 2005, suggesting a concerning trend. The 2024 assessment focused on reading comprehension and students’ engagement with reading both in and outside school. These findings reflect broader issues in U.S. education, highlighting the urgent need for action to improve student learning.

Among eighth-graders, science scores also faced a 4-point decrease since 2019, with declines observed among both high and low achievers. The assessments also revealed that fewer eighth-graders felt confident in their science skills compared to 2019. Additionally, a significant number of 12th-graders reported missing multiple days of school prior to the assessment, signaling potential disruptions in their education.

While NAEP scores do not directly indicate federal policy shortcomings, they can serve as a valuable tool for assessing educational trends. Nat Malkus, a deputy director at the American Enterprise Institute, remarked that the federal government plays a unique role in monitoring educational performance nationwide. He added, however, that fixes need to come from state and local initiatives.

Since the cuts to the Education Department, only a handful of senior staff members remained with NAEP. Fortunately, there are plans to add at least eight more staff positions by the end of the year to support future assessments, aiming to tackle the educational challenges ahead. This responsive approach is essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of national assessments that guide educational policy.

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