US Education Crisis Deepens as 12th Grade Math and Reading Scores Hit Historic Lows

New federal data reveals a troubling reality for American education. The latest Nation’s Report Card shows student proficiency has plummeted to unprecedented depths. Fewer than half of the nation’s high school seniors are proficient in basic math and reading.

The US Department of Labor labeled the situation unacceptable. This decline has sparked significant concern among policymakers and the public alike.

Stark Numbers Paint a Dire Academic Picture

The data comes from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). According to the assessment, only 22% of 12th-grade students are proficient in mathematics. A staggering 78% of seniors lack essential math skills.

The average math score for 2024 is the lowest recorded since 2005. The reading scores are even more concerning historically. Just 35% of seniors demonstrated reading proficiency this year.

The 2024 average reading score is lower than the first assessment in 1992. This indicates a long-term downward trend across core subjects.

Political and Public Reaction to the “Hard Truth”

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy described the report as a “hard truth.” He has frequently highlighted America’s declining math performance. He stated it is now up to individual states to fix the broken system.

According to Reuters, the federal education framework has been failing for decades. The response on social media was immediate and varied. One user criticized the focus on H-1B visas, urging leaders to solve the domestic education crisis first.

Another commenter pointed to states like Mississippi as proof that local solutions can work. They argued that proven teaching methods can outperform federal funding and bureaucracy.

The newly released data confirms a severe and ongoing US education crisis that demands immediate and effective solutions from local leaders.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Nation’s Report Card?

The Nation’s Report Card is the common name for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). It is a continuing and nationally representative measure of student achievement in core subjects.

How many 12th graders are not proficient in math?

The data shows that 78% of American 12th graders are not proficient in mathematics. This means only 22% of seniors performed at or above the proficient level.

Have reading scores also declined?

Yes, reading scores have seen a significant decline. The 2024 average reading score is the lowest ever recorded, falling below the initial 1992 benchmark.

What has been the political response to the data?

Politicians like Vivek Ramaswamy have called the data a “hard truth.” He advocates for state-level solutions to fix what he describes as a failed federal education bureaucracy.

Why is this data significant?

This data is significant because it measures the academic readiness of students about to graduate high school. It provides a critical snapshot of the foundational skills of the future workforce.