US Math and Reading Test Scores Hit 25-Year Low 2026

US math and reading test scores have plunged to their lowest level in 25 years, according to the latest Nation's Report Card. This alarming decline comes as the federal agency responsible for collecting and analyzing such data faces drastic cuts, leaving policymakers and educators with fewer tools to address the crisis.

The Role of NCES in Tracking Student Achievement

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has long been the gold standard for understanding how American students are performing. As part of the Department of Education, NCES administers the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation's Report Card. This assessment measures student knowledge in math, reading, writing, science, and history. The data collected by NCES informs education policy, funding allocation, and interventions for struggling schools.

Impact of Federal Cuts on Education Data

When the Trump administration took office, it moved swiftly to reduce the size of the Department of Education. Nearly half of its employees were fired, and contracts worth nearly $900 million were canceled by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The NCES was hit especially hard: its staff plummeted from about 100 to just four. Although some were rehired, the agency now operates with only 12 staffers, according to its website. This decimation has severely hampered NCES's ability to collect and report critical data on K-12 and college students, including surveys on school safety, gun violence, and more.

Why This Matters for Students and Schools

Without reliable data, states and districts cannot accurately identify which interventions work, where resources are needed most, or how to close achievement gaps. The decline in test scores is a warning sign, but without robust data collection, we are flying blind. The cuts also threaten the transparency and accountability of the US education system.

Comparison of NCES Staffing and Budget Over Time

• Math and reading scores are at a 25-year low.
• NCES staff reduced from 100 to 12.
• Nearly $900 million in contracts canceled.
• Data gaps hinder policy and funding decisions.

FAQ

What is the Nation's Report Card?

The Nation's Report Card is the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a periodic assessment of what American students know in various subjects. It is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

How have budget cuts affected NCES?

NCES staff was reduced from about 100 to 12, and nearly $900 million in contracts were canceled. This has severely limited its ability to collect and report education data.

Why are test scores declining?

Multiple factors contribute to declining scores, including pandemic-related learning loss, inequities in resources, and now, reduced data collection that hampers targeted interventions.

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