Education Decline: A Call to Action

The most recent results from the national assessment of educational progress should be alarming for everyone—parents, educators, and citizens alike. The Class of 2024 is facing some troubling statistics in math and reading, just months away from graduation. It seems that this generation is stepping into adulthood less equipped than those before them.

The drop in performance is serious. The average math score for 12th graders has plummeted to its lowest point since 2005, with nearly half of students falling short of even the ‘basic’ standard. Reading scores tell a similar story; overall averages have hit historic lows, and only the top-performing students have managed to maintain their scores.

It’s easy to point fingers and link this decline solely to the pandemic. After all, these students began high school during a time when schools were shuttered due to COVID-19. The essential structure that typically supports a freshman’s transition was turned upside down, replaced by isolation and inconsistent remote learning. This confusion undoubtedly played a part.

However, we must acknowledge that the education system was already facing challenges prior to the pandemic. The performance gap between high and low-achieving students was widening long before 2020. The latest findings from the NAEP merely shed light on an existing problem that the pandemic has intensified.

This situation poses a significant risk to the future workforce in the U.S. Despite their dismal scores in core subjects, over half of fourth-graders who participated in the assessment reported being accepted into four-year colleges. Acceptance rates may be climbing, but readiness remains a concern. This disconnect could lead to struggles for many young adults and place additional pressure on universities, which are now expected to fill educational gaps rather than serve purely as institutions of higher learning.

Essentially, we’re dealing with a system that seems to have lost its focus. Federal involvement in education has increased over the years, yet outcomes have either stagnated or declined. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has pointedly suggested that “national oversight is not working, and states may need to regain more control to innovate and address local needs.”

A universal approach won’t foster improvement in student outcomes. To complicate matters further, the way education is delivered often lacks the necessary structure and rigor for students. Evidence shows that fewer students are opting for advanced classes, absenteeism rates are rising, and students are becoming less confident in their mathematical abilities. These trends indicate a deeper issue, one not fully captured by mere test scores.

The stakes are high. A society that produces graduates who struggle with reading and basic math is heading toward decline. Concerns about a skills gap are already surfacing, along with a growing frustration regarding the absence of workers equipped with crucial thinking and problem-solving abilities. Meanwhile, technology and global competition are advancing rapidly, demanding more from citizens, not less. The future strength of America’s workforce—and even the health of our democracy—depends on individuals capable of clear thinking and responsible engagement.

So, what can we do? This isn’t about quick fixes or repeating previous mistakes. Genuine change takes courage and clarity. We need to reinforce educational foundations, ensuring our children build strong skills in reading, writing, and math before they finish elementary school. We must reintroduce rigor in classrooms while resisting the urge to dilute expectations in the name of equity. True equity means every student has access to challenging, meaningful lessons. Tackling absenteeism should be a priority, too—attendance is vital for learning. For educators to effectively teach, they need the room to focus on instruction rather than being overwhelmed with administrative tasks.

The NAEP results are indeed sobering, but they should inspire immediate and decisive action. Educational progress, while seemingly daunting, is within reach. Although the drop in 12th-grade performance serves as a stark warning, there’s still time to redirect our course, beginning with local school districts.