“The Nation’s Report Card” Shows Decline in Students’ Reading, Math Scores
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, released the following statement after NAEP scores showed the largest math declines recorded for fourth and eighth graders. The data released today also showed a three point decline for reading in fourth and eighth graders since 2019, erasing decades of student achievement gains.
“Democrats’ authoritarian mask mandates and prolonged school lockdowns have failed our students and put an entire generation behind,” Stefanik said. “We should be laser-focused on addressing this historic learning loss and getting our students back on track. Instead, New York State’s Far Left Democrat leadership has used COVID-19 relief funds to advance their radical woke agenda in the classroom and Critical Race Theory indoctrination, rather than equipping students with fundamental math and reading skills. With over two-thirds of our eighth grade students failing to demonstrate proficiency in reading and math, it is imperative we cease radical indoctrination and return back to the basics in our schools. Parents should no longer have to accept divisive instruction and the lowering of academic standards. Instead, we should insist on schools that teach all students to strive for excellence. As part of our Commitment to America, House Republicans will empower parents with a greater voice in their children’s education and the freedom to seek out the best learning environment to prepare them for lifelong success.”
The NAEP report showed 69% of 8th graders were not proficient in reading and 73% of 8th graders were not proficient in math.