Story perspectives

High School Seniors' Reading Skills Hit 30-Year Low

9/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

Federal testing data shows American high school seniors' reading skills are at a 30-year low.
One-third of 12th graders lack basic reading skills; nearly half scored below basic in math.
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results indicate a significant decline in academic performance.
The pandemic worsened educational challenges due to prolonged school closures.
Experts attribute declining performance to increased screen time and social media use.

History

Historical Context

In 1990, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that 29% of high school seniors achieved proficiency in reading. However, recent data indicates that one-third of 12th graders now lack basic reading skills, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on education. This decline raises urgent concerns about workforce readiness and the necessity for educational reform to bridge these gaps.

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Story summary

Federal testing data shows American high school seniors' reading skills are at a 30-year low.
One-third of 12th graders lack basic reading skills; nearly half scored below basic in math.
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results indicate a significant decline in academic performance.
The pandemic worsened educational challenges due to prolonged school closures.
Experts attribute declining performance to increased screen time and social media use.

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