The Trump administration renewed its push to return control of education to the states after new data showed steep declines in high school seniors’ reading, math, and science scores, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon calling the results a “devastating trend” of students testing at “historic lows.”
The National Center for Education Statistics’ “Nation’s Report Card,” released Tuesday, found reading at record lows and math at its worst in 20 years. McMahon posted a video message on X, noting that 78% of high school seniors lacked proficiency in math and another 65% lacked proficiency in reading in 2024.
“Despite billions in federal spending and countless well-intentioned programs, the achievement gap between students is widening, not shrinking. And this trend did not begin with COVID, it goes back a decade,” said the education secretary. “Clearly, success is not about how much money we spend, but who spends it. That’s why President Trump and I are committed to reversing course and returning control of education to the states so local communities with parents in the driver’s seat can better innovate, adapt, and tailor education to their students’ needs.”
The National Report Card tracks U.S. student performance over time. In 2024, 12th-grade reading scores fell three points from 2019 and 10 points from 1992. Math dropped three points since 2019 and five overall, while science declined four points. Lower grade levels show similar struggles: in January, data revealed about 70% of fourth- and eighth-graders were not proficient in math or reading.
As it moves to shrink the Education Department’s role, the Trump administration has urged states to expand school choice, letting parents use state funds for private school tuition. Additionally, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) warned that declining student performance threatens both national security and the economy.
“Low academic skills don’t just hurt grades, they weaken our economy, workforce, and national security. Without strong foundations in these core subjects, America’s freedom and economic competitiveness will be in jeopardy,” said Walberg. “Republicans and the Trump administration are prioritizing students — working to ensure every child gains the skills essential to be successful. This is crucial to America’s success.”
Today’s @NAEP_NCES 12th grade math and reading and 8th grade science scores confirm a devastating trend: American students are testing at historic lows.
Nearly HALF of America’s high school seniors are testing at below basic levels in math and reading. The status quo is… pic.twitter.com/FMxGX5cu66
— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) September 9, 2025
