U. S. Students Face Academic Challenges: A Closer Look at the Numbers

The latest scores from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), often called the Nation's Report Card, show a worrying trend for U. S. students. Eighth graders are struggling with science, while 12th graders are falling behind in math and reading. These results, the first since the pandemic, highlight a significant drop in performance, especially among the lowest-performing students. In Utah, students are doing better than the national average, but there's still room for improvement. Fourth and eighth graders in Utah scored higher in math and reading compared to their peers across the country. However, reading scores for eighth graders in Utah have been declining, which has prompted the state to take action. The Utah State Board of Education is focusing on improving reading outcomes by providing targeted support and training for educators and students. Absenteeism is also a growing concern. Nearly a third of 12th graders reported missing three or more days of school in the past month, up from 26% in 2019. This trend is seen across all grades, and it's a factor that could be contributing to the decline in academic performance. The NAEP results also reveal longer-term trends. For example, the average science score for eighth graders in 2024 was not measurably different than in 2009. Meanwhile, the average math score for 12th graders in 2024 was lower than in 2005, and the average reading score was lower than in 1992. These findings suggest that the decline in performance is not just a post-pandemic issue, but a problem that has been developing over time. The NAEP assessments measure students' knowledge in various subjects and their ability to apply that knowledge. For example, the science assessment evaluates students' understanding of physical science, life science, and Earth and space sciences, as well as their ability to use scientific inquiry and technological design. The math assessment measures students' knowledge in number properties, measurement, data analysis, and algebra, as well as their problem-solving skills. The reading assessment evaluates students' ability to locate and recall information, integrate and interpret what they have read, and critique and evaluate the text. The declining scores are a cause for concern, and they highlight the need for targeted efforts to improve student performance. It's not just about spending more money on education, but about investing that money wisely and addressing the unique needs of each student. The results also underscore the importance of addressing absenteeism and ensuring that students are engaged and motivated to learn.