Teachers Sound Alarm on Low Reading and Math Scores

The Decline in 12th Grade Academic Performance

The academic performance of 12th graders has reached a concerning low, with reading and math scores plummeting to their lowest levels in over two decades. These results, part of the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) tests, highlight a troubling trend in the education system. The average reading score for 12th graders dropped to its lowest level since the NAEP began administering the reading assessment in 1992. Similarly, the math scores for 12th graders in 2024 were the lowest since 2005, when the math assessment framework underwent significant changes.

This decline has come as a surprise to many, but it is not entirely unexpected for educators who have been observing a broader pattern of declining academic performance. Chantel Jiroch and Careshia Moore, co-authors of Raising America: A Visual Celebration of Educators, noted that the global pandemic drastically reshaped education, leading to decreased achievement across various subjects and demographics. Beyond the pandemic's impact, concerns have also emerged about students' overreliance on technology, lack of interest in learning, and shorter attention spans.

Observations from Educators

Elizabeth McPherson, known online as Ms. Mac, shared her perspective on the situation. She stated that the declining test scores "absolutely" reflect what she sees in her classroom daily. Teachers have long been raising concerns about the state of education, and while additional testing may have confirmed these issues, the decline has been evident for years. Matt Eicheldinger, a New York Times bestselling author and former teacher, expressed some skepticism about whether the scores truly reflect his experiences in schools. He noted that he only interacts with students in his specific building and district.

Gabe Dannebring, a teacher and social media creator with over a million TikTok followers, emphasized that students who struggle often continue to do so without proper intervention. This highlights the need for early support and targeted strategies to help students succeed.

Root Causes of the Decline

Educators point to societal shifts as key factors behind the decline in academic performance. Nicholas Ferroni, a high school teacher with 22 years of experience, argued that the issue lies more with societal changes than with the quality of education provided by schools. He pointed to increased screen time and cellphone use as major contributors to students reading less, writing less, and thinking less.

Ferroni noted that teachers can only do so much within a 40-minute class period. He stressed the importance of nurturing students outside of school, as technology and social media are reshaping students’ brains, affecting their focus, social skills, and emotional intelligence. Eicheldinger echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that students are not engaging in reading for enjoyment, which impacts their ability to focus and perform in the classroom.

Challenges in Learning

Eicheldinger highlighted another critical issue: the lack of understanding of rigor among students. Long passages, multi-step math problems, and complex projects are becoming increasingly challenging for students, leading them to switch tasks or seek quick answers rather than engage deeply with the material. Gabe Dannebring also mentioned chronic absenteeism as a growing concern, noting that students are missing school at alarming rates for various reasons.

McPherson added that in an age of instant gratification, students are struggling to embrace the discomfort of failure and put in the necessary effort to learn. She observed that fewer students have the intrinsic drive to excel, and even those who want to push themselves often face challenges due to surrounding apathy.

Solutions to Address the Decline

Despite the challenges, educators remain hopeful that change is possible. McPherson emphasized the importance of involving teachers in conversations about education and setting clear expectations for students. She believes that failure is a natural part of learning and that students will eventually bounce back if given the right support.

Dannebring suggested several practical steps to address the issue. These include providing early interventions, encouraging parental involvement in children’s education, and taking strong measures to reduce chronic absenteeism. He also stressed the importance of prioritizing reading over screen time, as reading proficiency is a key indicator of success in both education and life.

Eicheldinger further emphasized the need to limit distractions such as phones and tablets, which compete with reading and hinder learning. He noted that many students spend significant amounts of time on electronic devices during school, which may not have a positive impact on their academic performance.

Looking Ahead

While the challenges are significant, there is cautious optimism among educators. Dannebring noted that schools are aware of the data and are investing in strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism, which is one of the biggest barriers to learning. McPherson remains hopeful, citing examples of students who have made incredible transformations when given the right support and structure.

In conclusion, the decline in 12th-grade academic performance reflects broader societal and educational challenges. However, with the right strategies, support, and commitment from educators, families, and policymakers, it is possible to reverse this trend and help students reach their full potential.