Story perspectives

Record Low Scores Spark Education Emergency in U.S.

9/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

Recent NAEP results reveal record low math and reading scores for U.S. 12th graders, a trend predating COVID-19.
Nearly 45% of high school seniors scored "below basic" in math, the highest since the test's current version began.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the situation a "national emergency," urging state control over education funding.
The Trump administration proposes cutting federal education spending while increasing state budget control.
Despite budget cuts, the National Center for Education Statistics maintains its reporting capabilities on test results.

History

Historical Context

The No Child Left Behind Act, enacted in 2002, aimed to enhance educational outcomes in the U.S. through standardized testing and increased federal funding of approximately $24 billion. Despite these efforts, recent NAEP results reveal that nearly 45% of 12th graders scored "below basic" in math, prompting Education Secretary Linda McMahon to declare a "national emergency" and call for urgent reforms in education funding.

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Story summary

Recent NAEP results reveal record low math and reading scores for U.S. 12th graders, a trend predating COVID-19.
Nearly 45% of high school seniors scored "below basic" in math, the highest since the test's current version began.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the situation a "national emergency," urging state control over education funding.
The Trump administration proposes cutting federal education spending while increasing state budget control.
Despite budget cuts, the National Center for Education Statistics maintains its reporting capabilities on test results.

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