Nation’s Report Card Exposes Record Lows in 12th-Grade Math and Reading Scores: A Wake-Up Call for U.S. Education
America’s high school seniors are stumbling into adulthood with fewer skills than ever before. The latest Nation’s Report Card, released on September 9, 2025, reveals that 12th-grade math and reading scores have plummeted to their lowest levels on record, signaling a decade-long decline that threatens the nation’s economic future.
These sobering results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) underscore persistent challenges in preparing students for college and careers, even as top performers hold steady.
Record-Low Scores: Math and Reading Hit Historic Bottoms
The 2024 NAEP assessments, administered to over 19,000 12th graders in math and 24,000 in reading from January to March, show stark drops. The average math score fell to 147 on a 300-point scale—the lowest since testing began in 2005. Reading scores dipped 3 points to 272 on a 500-point scale, the lowest since 1992 and 10 points below that inaugural year.
These declines widened achievement gaps. Scores for the highest performers (90th percentile) stayed flat since 2019, but all other groups—especially the lowest 10th and 25th percentiles—saw significant drops. Now, 45% of 12th graders score below NAEP’s “basic” level in math, up 5 points from 2019 and 2005. Only 22% are proficient or above in math, and 31% in reading.
Eighth graders fared no better in science, with scores dropping 4 points since 2019 to the lowest since 2009, and just 31% proficient. Gender gaps reemerged too: Girls’ science scores fell steeper than boys’, reversing 2019 parity.
Decade-Long Decline: Pandemic Acceleration, Not the Sole Culprit
The slump predates COVID-19, with math scores peaking around 2013 before stagnating. The pandemic exacerbated it—12th graders were in eighth grade during 2020 school closures—but experts point to deeper issues. Chronic absenteeism surged: 31% of 12th graders missed three or more school days in the month before testing, up from 26% in 2019.
Other factors include rising screen time, shortened attention spans, and less recreational reading. In California, for instance, fourth- and eighth-grade math lagged national averages, while reading aligned. No state posted gains in reading or math since 2022; only Atlanta saw fourth-grade reading improvements.
The Human Toll: Fewer Students College-Ready
Fewer than a third of students nationwide hit NAEP proficiency in core subjects, with low performers at “historic lows.” This means many seniors lack basic skills, like recognizing implied character motivations in reading or solving routine math problems. Despite more college admissions, readiness lags, widening inequities for disadvantaged groups.
Expert Warnings: A Threat to Innovation and Economy
“This is sobering,” said Matthew Soldner, acting director of the Institute of Education Sciences. Lesley Muldoon, executive director of the National Assessment Governing Board, added, “Students are taking their next steps with fewer skills… at a time when technology demands more.”
Educators like Michael Petrilli of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute warn of long-term fallout: “In 25 years, we’ll see these kids’ outcomes predicted by this decline.” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon called for urgent action in her statement, emphasizing recovery efforts.
Public reactions on social media echo alarm: Parents and teachers trend #NationsReportCard with calls for reform, while critics blame federal funding shortfalls. Unions highlight teacher shortages, but agreement grows on addressing absenteeism and screen habits.
Impacts on American Families, Economy, and Future Workforce
For U.S. parents, these scores mean tougher college transitions and job prospects for kids—only 22% math-proficient could struggle in STEM fields, vital for 80% of future jobs. Economically, a less skilled workforce risks stalling innovation; the U.S. already lags global peers in PISA rankings, potentially costing trillions in lost productivity.
Politically, it fuels 2026 debates on school choice, curriculum overhauls, and tech bans in classrooms. Lifestyle shifts loom: Families may push reading routines and limit devices, while sports programs—tied to school engagement—face funding cuts if scores don’t rebound. Tech giants like Google, reliant on educated talent, could see hiring crunches.
Disparities hit hardest: Low-income and minority students, already behind, face widened gaps, perpetuating cycles of inequality.
Conclusion: Time for Bold Reforms to Reverse the Slide
The Nation’s Report Card paints a grim picture: 12th-grade scores at record lows, with declines spanning a decade and accelerating post-pandemic. As experts urge, America must tackle root causes like absenteeism and digital distractions to equip students for tomorrow’s demands.
Looking ahead, 2026 assessments could show progress if states invest in tutoring and attendance incentives. For U.S. families, this is a rallying cry: Prioritize education now, or pay dearly later.