US High School Seniors See Math Proficiency Drop to 22%, Lowest Since 2005

Paul Runko, Director of Strategic Initiatives for K-12 Programs at Parents Defending Education, issued a stark warning regarding recent national student assessment results, stating, "These scores are heartbreaking because behind every number is a child struggling to learn." His tweet, posted on September 10, 2025, emphasized the urgent need for parents to demand "answers and action to ensure schools get back to the basics of reading, writing, math, and science."

The sentiment follows the release of the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, often referred to as the "Nation's Report Card," which indicate a significant decline in academic proficiency across the United States. Tests administered in early 2024 revealed that only 35% of high school seniors were proficient in reading, marking the lowest score since the assessment began in 1992. Math proficiency for 12th graders was even lower, at just 22%, the lowest point since the current test format started in 2005.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the trend as "devastating," noting that nearly half of America's high school seniors are testing at "below basic levels" in core subjects. Matthew Soldner, Acting Commissioner for the National Center for Education Statistics, highlighted that the drop in overall scores coincides with significant declines among the lowest-performing students, a downward trend that predates the COVID-19 pandemic. The data also shows a widening achievement gap between the highest and lowest-performing students.

Parents Defending Education, where Runko holds a leadership position, is a national grassroots organization dedicated to combating what it terms "indoctrination" in classrooms and advocating for a return to fundamental academic principles. The organization actively engages in network building, investigative reporting, and policy engagement to promote a "quality, non-political education" for all students. Their focus aligns with growing concerns among some policymakers and parent groups about the curriculum and priorities within the K-12 education system.

The alarming NAEP results have prompted calls for systemic changes from various stakeholders. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, warned that the current trajectory risks an "entire generation of children fail[ing] to become productive adults if classroom proficiency does not improve." The ongoing debate over educational standards, curriculum content, and the allocation of resources is expected to intensify in light of these sobering national assessment findings.