The annual report shows the lowest 12th-grade math and reading proficiency since 1992.
The National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) issued its annual report on student proficiency levels this past week, reporting lowered proficiency levels among American high schoolers. According to the report, called the “Nation’s Report Card,” eighth-grade science proficiency dropped by four points since 2019, and math and reading proficiency among 12th graders dropped to its lowest level since 1992.
Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the “NAEP results confirm a devastating trend: American students are testing at historic lows across all of K-12. At a critical juncture when students are about to graduate and enter the workforce, military, or higher education, nearly half of America’s high school seniors are testing at below basic levels in math and reading. Despite spending billions annually on numerous K-12 programs, the achievement gap is widening, and more high school seniors are performing below the basic benchmark in math and reading than ever before.“
She continued, “The lesson is clear. Success isn’t about how much money we spend, but who controls the money and where that money is invested. That’s why President Trump and I are committed to returning control of education to the states so they can innovate and meet each school and students’ unique needs.“
The secretary concluded, “If America is going to remain globally competitive, students must be able to read proficiently, think critically, and graduate equipped to solve complex problems. We owe it to them to do better.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary McMahon to be led by the Lord as she manages the Department of Education and assesses its role in supporting schools.
- For U.S. education officials to be discerning as they evaluate the ways the federal government can support improvements in public education.
Sources: UPI News, Department of Education
