- Historic Lows in High School Performance
In the 2024 NAEP results, 12th-grade reading scores reached their lowest level since the assessment began in 1992, and math scores hit their lowest point since 2005.(turn0news9,) - Widespread Skill Deficits
- 32% of high school seniors scored below “basic” in reading: lacking vital skills like finding supporting details in a text.(turn0news9)
- In math, 45% fell below basic, making this the highest percentage since 2005.(turn0news9)
- Declining College Readiness
Only 33% of high school seniors are considered ready for college-level math, down from 37% in 2019.(turn0news9) - Widening Inequality & Gender Gaps
The gap between top-performing and lowest-performing students is now at its widest on record, particularly in eighth-grade science and 12th-grade math. Girls’ performance in STEM subjects has deteriorated at a faster rate than boys’.(turn0news9) - Broader Trend in Decline
These latest results echo a longer downward trend in academic performance that predates the COVID-19 pandemic, though the pandemic did exacerbate the situation.(turn0news12, )
What It Means
| Dimension | Insight |
|---|---|
| Academic Preparedness | A substantial portion of high school seniors lack foundational skills necessary for post-secondary education and today’s job market. |
| Equity Challenges | The widening performance gap underscores systemic inequality, especially in science and math. |
| Educational Focus Needed | Experts highlight issues like reduced reading stamina, screen time distractions, and narrower curricula as factors undermining learning.(turn0news9) |
| Policy Impasse | Federal and state leaders disagree on solutions—some advocate for more local control of education spending, while others call for increased federal investment to support recovery and equity.(turn0news9) |
Summary
The 2024 NAEP results present a sobering picture: a sharp decline in high school math, reading, and 8th-grade science scores that continues a pre-pandemic trend. Alongside this decline, widening achievement and gender-based disparities are becoming more pronounced. Policy responses vary, but the urgency is clear—a coordinated effort is needed to revive academic performance and ensure equitable outcomes for all students.
