Newly released National Assessment of Educational Progress data reveal that 12th graders who graduated in 2024—the first cohort to experience all four years of high school after the COVID-19 pandemic—still demonstrate significant academic challenges. Though math scores have shown modest recovery, reading scores continue to decline, and achievement gaps between high- and low-performing students have widened. The steepest drops were seen among Black, Hispanic, and low-income students.
Absenteeism rates have also surged, compounding the effects of disrupted learning. These trends raise serious concerns about long-term outcomes, including lower postsecondary attainment and reduced lifetime earnings.
The data highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to support high school students, especially those most affected by the pandemic.
