Alarmingly, the results of the latest measure of the academic performance show that reading scores for 13-year-olds in the United States have plummeted to their lowest levels in decades, while — even worse — math scores plunged by the largest margin ever recorded, according to the results of a federal test known as the nation’s report card.

“The results, released June 21, are the latest measure of the deep learning setbacks incurred during the pandemic,” the Associated Press stated.

“While earlier testing revealed the magnitude of America’s learning loss, the latest test casts light on the persistence of those setbacks, dimming hopes of swift academic recovery,” the AP added.

“In the national sample of 13-year-old students, average math scores fell by 9 points between 2020 and 2023. Reading scores fell by 4 points. The test, formally called the National Assessment of Educational Progress, was administered from October to December last year to 8,700 students in each subject.

“Math and reading scores had been sliding before the pandemic, but the latest results show a precipitous drop that erases earlier gains in the years leading up to 2012. Scores on the math exam, which has been given since 1973, are now at their lowest levels since 1990. Reading scores are their lowest since 2004.

“Especially alarming to officials were outsize decreases among the lowest-performing students. Students at all achievement levels saw decreases, but while stronger students saw slides of 6 to 8 points, lower performing students saw decreases of 12 to 14 points, the results show.

“There were also differences by race. Students from almost every race and ethnicity saw math scores slide, but the steepest drops were among American Indian students, at 20 points, and black students, at 13 points. The decline for white students, by comparison, was 6 points, while Asian students held even.”

To us, the test score plunge is not unexpected news, as evidence of our growing idiocracyis plainly evident 24/7. We encourage parents and teachers to work together to help students progress academically.