'These results are sobering': US high-school seniors' reading and math scores plummet

[Bernardo de La Paz]

8. Nonsense. Math skills in grade 12 are formed in primary grades. That's where the problem is. In 2024 AI

In 2024 AI had only been around for a couple of years and would not have had impact on math and reading. A bit of impact on writing and factual knowledge. Of course, the impact of AI is growing in 2025 and on into 2026. But the decline in the scores is not a new thing.

The main problem with math is people think they can be math illiterate because parents tell them, "It's okay kid, I had a block on math when I was in school." So the kid thinks "Oh, I can just say I have a block on it and people will sympathize."

Turn it around for reading. Nobody tries to get sympathy for a lack of reading skills. Nobody says "I'm illiterate because I have a reading block."

The main reason to study math is to be able to think logically and to be able to look at problems from many angles. People who do well in math have better chances getting into law school. People who do well in math make better doctors because they can better diagnose.

The problems result from:

* Celebrity worship of athletes, actors, and star musical performers.
* Teaching to the Test
* Decline in classroom discussion and less critical thinking.
* A culture that denigrates quiet, empathic nerds and pushes bullies to the front.