Math and reading scores for American 13-year-olds plunge to lowest levels in decades

By COLLIN BINKLEY
AP Education Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Math and reading scores among America’s 13-year-olds fell to their lowest levels in decades, with math scores plunging by the largest margin ever recorded. Those are the latest findings from the NAEP exam, known as the nation’s report card. The results are the latest measure of the deep learning setbacks incurred during the pandemic. More than two years after most students returned to in-person class, officials say there’s little evidence of academic recovery. 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.