Math & Reading Scores Among 13-Year Olds in US Reach Lowest Level in Decades

Math & Reading Scores Among 13-Year Olds in US Reach Lowest Level in Decades

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Math and reading performance among 13-year-olds in the United States has reached its lowest level in decades, according to the recently released test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), as was reported by the NYT. These scores, considered the gold standard for federal exams, indicate a concerning decline in academic achievement. The last time math performance was this low for 13-year-olds was in 1990, while reading performance hasn’t been as low since 2004, the report indicated.

The decline in performance can be partly attributed to the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s education system, the NYT noted. The 2019-2020 school year was severely impacted, but the downward trends reported in the latest NAEP scores began years before the health crisis. This raises questions about the disappointing results American students have been experiencing for the past decade.

The NAEP exam, administered in the fall of last year, focused on assessing basic skills. As was reported by the NYT, the average scores for 13-year-olds were 256 out of 500 in reading and 271 out of 500 in math, down from 260 in reading and 280 in math three years earlier. The decline in achievement was observed across racial, class, and geographical lines. However, the NYT report noted that vulnerable children, particularly Black, Native American, and low-income students, experienced more significant drops in math performance.

Numerous studies have shown that the pandemic posed significant academic challenges for most American children. It is also evident that low-income students of color were disproportionately affected by school closures and the shift to remote learning, which, in some districts, persisted for over a year. The NYT reported that the latest NAEP results provide educators with valuable insights into the challenges ahead for children of different ages and demographic groups.

The 13-year-olds who took the NAEP exam were 10 years old when the pandemic began, being in fourth or fifth grade. Unlike younger children who often required constant adult supervision during remote learning, they were old enough to participate with less minute-to-minute assistance. However, the NYT reported indicated that the ages of 10 to 13 are crucial for mastering foundational skills, from multiplication to comprehension of character emotions in narratives.

Peggy Carr, the commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics responsible for administering the NAEP exam, emphasized the troubling gaps in the basic skills of these students highlighted by the results, as was reported by the NYT. She recognized the immense challenge facing the nation in addressing these issues.

In the decentralized American education system, the NAEP stands out as one of the few consistent tests administered across state lines over many years, allowing for easy comparisons of results. Since scores on the exam do not lead to rewards or punishments for students, teachers, or schools, they are particularly useful for research purposes, with fewer incentives for cheating or teaching to the test, the NYT reported.

However, some education experts argue that there is an excessive focus on the NAEP. The NYT reported said that they point out that the exam’s content often diverges from the material taught in classrooms nationwide. While the NAEP provides valuable data, it is crucial to consider other factors that influence academic performance.

Accompanying the test, a student survey revealed additional noteworthy findings that have sparked discussions among educators. The percentage of 13-year-olds enrolled in algebra has declined from 34 percent in 2012 to 24 percent, indicating a shift away from advanced math in some districts and states, including California, as was reported by the NYT. There has been a push to equalize math education by reducing the number of eighth graders placed in advanced math classes.

Furthermore, the percentage of 13-year-olds who reported reading for enjoyment has also decreased. The NYT report said that in the most recent survey, 31 percent stated that they “never or hardly ever” read for fun, compared to 22 percent in 2012. This decline raises concerns about the diminishing interest in reading among young adolescents.

The latest NAEP scores and the accompanying survey results shed light on the pressing challenges faced by the American education system. Addressing the gaps in math and reading skills among 13-year-olds will require comprehensive efforts, the NYT reported ,particularly to support vulnerable student populations. The findings serve as a wake-up call for educators, policymakers, and communities to redouble their efforts in providing quality education and promoting a love for learning among young students.