Story perspectives

Record Education Spending Fails to Boost Student Performance

12/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

As national education spending per pupil rises, student enrollment and test scores decline across the United States.
Since 2002, K-12 spending rose by over 35%, while enrollment fell 2.1% and reading proficiency sits at one-third.
New York leads in spending at $32,284 per pupil, with California at $25,941 and enrollments declining.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon says historic lows in performance and a widening achievement gap persist despite funding.

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Story summary

As national education spending per pupil rises, student enrollment and test scores decline across the United States.
Since 2002, K-12 spending rose by over 35%, while enrollment fell 2.1% and reading proficiency sits at one-third.
New York leads in spending at $32,284 per pupil, with California at $25,941 and enrollments declining.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon says historic lows in performance and a widening achievement gap persist despite funding.