High school students’ reading, math scores hit new low

The reading and math scores of 12th graders dropped to their lowest level in more than 20 years, according to results from an exam known as the nation’s report card.

The results from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) showed on Tuesday that about a third of the 12th graders tested in 2024 did not have basic reading skills, while almost half did not have basic math skills.

Eighth-grade students also lost significant ground in science, according to the results.

The assessments were the first since the COVID-19 pandemic for eighth graders in science, and for 12th graders in reading and math.

The results reflect a downward drift in grade levels compared to previous NAEP tests, which is considered one of the best gauges of the academic progress of U.S. schools.

This is a developing story. More to follow.