New national test scores show a continuing — and dangerous — slide in reading skills, according to an article that appeared in The Wall Street Journal on Jan. 29.

Indeed, as the story noted, “the reading skills of American students are deteriorating further, according to new national test scores that show no improvement in a yearslong slide.

“The 67 percent of eighth-graders who scored at a basic or better reading level in 2024 was the lowest share since testing began in 1992, results from a closely watched federal exam show, the WSJ noted. “Only 60 percent of fourth-graders hit that benchmark, nearing record lows.

“Reading scores for U.S. fourth- and eighth-graders declined between 2022 and 2024, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (Testing accommodations weren’t permitted on exams in 1992 and 1994.)

“The declines started before the pandemic, continued during it and have persisted since. While the lowest-achieving students fell further behind everyone else, the slides were broad, affecting students across different states, school types, races and economic backgrounds.”

As the WSJ pointed out, “Worsening reading skills have potentially wide-ranging consequences. Test scores have been linked to the economic success of both the nation and individuals. Students with limited reading skills are less likely to graduate from high school; as adults, they are less likely to vote and more likely to be incarcerated.” 

Kymyona Burk, a senior policy fellow in early literacy at the nonprofit ExcelinEd, which advocates for education changes. was quoted by the WSJ as saying: “Students who are struggling readers become adults who are struggling readers if we don’t do something about it.”

Regarding how to motivate youngsters to read more, an Artificial Intelligence Overview urged the following:

“To encourage youngsters to read more, you can: let them choose books based on their interests, read aloud to them regularly, model reading yourself, create a dedicated reading space, discuss what they’re reading, and make frequent trips to the library to explore new titles; essentially, make reading a fun and engaging activity that aligns with their passions and is actively supported by adults around them.”

Another idea we have seen from experts includes limiting screen time and, perhaps best of all — setting an example for a youngster... by reading.