By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results reveal a continued decline in reading and math scores for high school students, with 12th graders’ scores reaching their lowest levels in over two decades. Eighth-grade students also showed significant losses in science proficiency, indicating a downward trend across multiple grade levels and subjects. Experts note these declines predate the pandemic and point to potential contributing factors such as increased screen time and shifts in teaching methods. Moreover, the achievement gap between highest and lowest performing students widened in both 8th grade science and 12th-grade math.
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US high school students lose ground in math and reading, continuing yearslong decline is a disheartening trend. I’ve been hearing a lot about it lately, and the situation feels increasingly dire. It’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck. The reports are consistent: students are struggling with fundamental skills, and the decline seems to be accelerating. It’s concerning, to say the least.
The issue isn’t new, but it feels like it’s reached a critical point. I hear that a lot of high school students are reading at elementary school levels, or barely understand basic math concepts. Teachers are seeing it firsthand, observing a steady erosion of skills over the years. It’s not just a blip; it’s a persistent problem, and many feel it’s only getting worse.
One of the biggest contributing factors seems to be the chronic underfunding of schools. Resources are stretched thin, class sizes are often too large, and teachers are underpaid and undervalued. These conditions make it tough for educators to provide the individual attention that students need to thrive. It’s hard to make a difference when you’re constantly battling against a lack of support.
Beyond funding, there’s a sense that the very value of education is being eroded. The job market is tough, and the cost of higher education is astronomical. Students question the relevance of what they’re learning, wondering if it will even translate into a decent job. This cynicism is contagious, and it impacts both students and teachers. The “why bother?” attitude is unfortunately becoming more prevalent.
The emphasis on standardized tests is also a major problem. Schools are often pressured to focus on test scores, sometimes at the expense of critical thinking and deeper learning. It’s like the system is teaching students how to pass the test, but not how to truly understand the material. Furthermore, the rise of AI and its impact on students’ ability to complete their own work only adds to the problem. They seem to be graduating with zero academic skills and can’t think critically, leading to a concerning cycle.
The political climate isn’t helping either. There’s a narrative that actively undermines education, cuts funding, and, frankly, seems to want this trend to continue. Some people believe that a less-educated populace is easier to control, and that’s a chilling thought. The focus on “woke” issues, whatever that means in this context, often overshadows the core mission of education.
It’s hard to ignore the impact of social media and the changing priorities of young people. The desire to become an “influencer” often trumps the pursuit of a real career or a deeper understanding of the world. This shift in focus can lead to a lack of motivation to excel in academics, and it’s a sign of a deeper societal problem.
The lack of parental involvement is a significant piece of the puzzle. Many parents are overwhelmed with work and other responsibilities, and their children’s education often falls by the wayside. The schools simply can’t do it all, and when parents aren’t actively supporting their children’s learning, it makes the teacher’s job even harder. The reality is that children are screen-addicted and their parents are too overworked to parent them.
The “No Child Left Behind” act, while well-intentioned, seems to have had unintended consequences. It pushed students through the system, even if they weren’t grasping the material, leading to grade inflation and ultimately, a decline in overall skills. This is especially true for students who have suffered from mental health issues. It can lead to kids that have been left behind, leading them to not trust the system.
The long-term implications of this decline are serious. A less-educated population is less equipped to participate in a democratic society, make informed decisions, and compete in the global economy. The future seems bleak.
So, what can be done? It’s a complex problem with no easy solutions. The simple answer is to invest in education, fund schools properly, and support teachers. Encourage the basics. Focus on critical thinking, and offer real support to struggling students. Encourage parents to be actively involved in their children’s education. Let’s teach the children that they should be better versions of themselves.
However, to the point of the article, this is a problem that has been going on for years. It has become more important to ensure that more children become educated, instead of a few getting ahead.