- 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.
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