U.S. Student Standardized Test Scores Trends

Standardized test scores for U.S. students hit multi-decade lows post-pandemic, but elementary grades are showing early signs of recovery.

Assessment data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) revealed that middle school scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) dropped sharply after 2020, falling 9 points in math and 4 points in reading. However, follow-up long-term trend assessments for 9-year-old students recorded a 4-point rebound in both subjects, signaling a gradual and active academic recovery in elementary grades.