US 12th Graders' Math and Reading Scores Hit Historic Lows

National Report Card Reveals Sobering Academic Trends

• 📉 The latest "nation's report card" shows that math and reading scores for high school seniors nationwide have dropped to historic lows.
• ⚠️ This is the first assessment of 12th graders since 2019, predating the pandemic, and the results are described as "sobering."

Performance Below Basic Levels

• 📊 32% of high school seniors scored below "basic" in reading, meaning they struggled to find details in text to understand meaning.
• 🎯 Nearly half of all seniors are testing below basic levels in both math and reading.
• 🎓 Only about one-third of seniors were considered academically prepared for college.

Impact of Absenteeism and Policy

• 🏫 The report also highlights a rise in absenteeism among students of all age groups since the pandemic.
• 🗣️ Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the results "devastating" and argued that education should return to the states.
• 🤝 Educators and policymakers emphasize the critical need for parents to stay engaged with their students and teachers regarding assignments and attendance.