Senate Panel Investigates Decline in K-12 Scores Across Reading, Math, and Science

US Senate Panel Probes Decline in K-12 National Reading, Math, Science Scores A US Senate panel on Thursday scrutinized the root causes of declining national reading, math, and science scores among certain grades since before the coronavirus pandemic. The hearing in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions centered on the "state of K-12 education," which GOP members described as "troubling." According to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), average science scores for eighth-graders decreased by 4 points since 2019. Math and reading scores for 12th-graders also fell 3 points between 2019 and 2024, with only one-third of high school seniors considered academically prepared for college in math. The assessments were administered between January and March 2024. The data showed that the decline in scores was not limited to a single subject area or demographic group. Committee Chair Sen. Bill Cassidy said, "It should concern us that children's reading, math, and science scores have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels." The hearing also highlighted the impact of the pandemic on education policy. Dr. Robert Pianta, a professor at the University of Virginia and former director of the National Center for Education Statistics, testified that the pandemic accelerated existing trends in educational inequality. "We've seen a widening gap between students from high-income families and those from low-income families," Pianta said. "This is not just a matter of resources; it's also about access to quality instruction and support services." Democratic Sen. Patty Murray countered that the decline in scores was not solely due to the pandemic, but rather a result of systemic issues with education policy. "We need to address the root causes of these declines, including inadequate funding for schools, lack of teacher support, and outdated curriculum," Murray said. The hearing marked the beginning of a series of investigations into the state of K-12 education. The committee plans to hold additional hearings and gather more data before making recommendations for policy changes. As the nation grapples with the implications of declining academic performance, policymakers will need to weigh competing perspectives on how to address the issue. While some argue that increased funding is necessary to support struggling schools, others contend that systemic reforms are needed to ensure all students have access to quality education. The NAEP data provides a stark reminder of the challenges facing K-12 education in the US. As policymakers move forward with their investigations and policy recommendations, one thing is clear: the future of American education hangs in the balance. *Reporting by News.*