The latest national test scores reveal a worsening literacy crisis among American students. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, reading proficiency among fourth and eighth graders has continued to decline, reaching some of the lowest levels since testing began in 1992.
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Only 60% of fourth-graders and 67% of eighth-graders scored at a basic or better reading level.
- The decline began before the pandemic and has persisted despite renewed attention on phonics-based instruction.
- Experts warn that poor reading skills are linked to lower graduation rates, reduced economic opportunities, and higher incarceration rates.
Some states, like Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., have seen progress by prioritizing structured literacy approaches. However, nationwide efforts have yet to show widespread improvement.
The results reinforce the urgent need to prioritize literacy instruction, invest in early reading interventions, and support evidence-based teaching methods.
Reading is the foundation for success. Let’s work together to turn the page on this crisis.
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