Across the United States, student performance in core subjects has slipped to levels not seen in over two decades. Recent national assessments show troubling drops in reading and mathematics proficiency among high school students. This article explains the main causes and lists practical steps schools, families, and communities can take to reverse the trend.

What is causing the decline?

• Post-pandemic absenteeism: Interrupted learning during and after COVID-19 reduced instructional time and widened achievement gaps.
• Excessive screen time: Increased use of smartphones, social media, and entertainment apps has reduced focused reading and study.
• Limited teacher support: Many schools lack sufficient training, resources, and time for targeted intervention.
• Rising mental health challenges: Anxiety, depression, and other issues affect students’ ability to concentrate and learn.

Can this situation be fixed?

Yes. Reversing the decline requires coordinated action across several fronts. Below are practical, evidence-informed steps that districts and families can implement immediately.

Short-term actions (0–12 months)

• Targeted tutoring: After-school or weekend tutoring focused on reading fluency and math fundamentals.
• Attendance campaigns: Track chronic absenteeism and run family outreach programs to improve daily attendance.
• Mental health support: Make counseling and social-emotional learning available in schools.

Medium- to long-term strategies (1–3 years)

• Professional development: Fund teacher training on diagnostic assessments, small-group instruction, and literacy-rich classrooms.
• Family-school partnerships: Create reading nights, parent workshops, and simple home-learning packs.
• Curriculum adjustments: Prioritize foundational skills in K–8 to build stronger readers and problem-solvers.

Why this matters

Literacy and numeracy are foundational skills that affect long-term life outcomes—college success, employment opportunities, and civic participation. When a large share of students struggles with these basics, the consequences are social and economic as well as academic.

Learn more

This short article summarizes the problem and offers practical next steps. For a detailed analysis, complete statistics, and expert recommendations, read the full report and resources on our website.

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