Story perspectives

12th Graders' Reading Scores Plummet Amid Screen Time Surge

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data show that 12th graders' reading scores fell three points from 2019 to 2024.
Experts attribute the decline to factors such as excessive screen time and inadequate phonics instruction.
Despite substantial federal and state spending on literacy, there have been no improvements in reading achievement since 1970.
Many students read below grade level, while parents often believe their children are performing adequately.

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Story summary

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data show that 12th graders' reading scores fell three points from 2019 to 2024.
Experts attribute the decline to factors such as excessive screen time and inadequate phonics instruction.
Despite substantial federal and state spending on literacy, there have been no improvements in reading achievement since 1970.
Many students read below grade level, while parents often believe their children are performing adequately.