National Assessment of Educational Progress Results

The National Assessment of Educational Progress has released results indicating a significant decline in student proficiency across critical subjects. According to the 2024 assessments, only 31% of eighth graders are proficient in science, while just 22% of high school seniors demonstrate proficiency in math—the lowest recorded scores since the assessment began. Additionally, reading proficiency among high school seniors stands at 35%, marking a concerning trend in educational outcomes.

The report highlights that despite over $3 trillion spent by the U.S. Department of Education since 1979 and a 245% increase in per-pupil spending, standardized test scores have largely remained stagnant. This has led to U.S. students ranking poorly compared to their peers in other developed nations in essential subjects such as math. These findings have prompted calls for a reevaluation of the current federal education system, which many believe has not effectively addressed the needs of students.

In response to these challenges, the Trump Administration is proposing a plan that seeks to decentralize education by transferring more authority to individual states. The administration argues that states are better positioned to tailor educational approaches to meet local needs. This initiative also emphasizes enhancing parental choice in education, suggesting that families should have the opportunity to select the best educational options for their children.

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