American students’ performance in reading, math, and science has fallen to 20-year lows, according to the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results released this month. The assessment, which evaluates 15-year-olds globally, shows declines across all three subjects, with reading scores dropping 14 points since the last evaluation.
A separate Gallup poll conducted in September 2026 found that only 32% of adults are satisfied with the quality of K-12 education in the U.S., marking a 19-point decline from 2019 and the lowest level in the 27 years Gallup has conducted the survey. The poll also highlights that 67% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the education system.
The findings come amid ongoing debates over education funding and policy. The U.S. currently spends over $21,000 per student annually, the highest among developed nations, according to Census Bureau data. Critics argue that despite increased spending, student outcomes have not improved, while others point to systemic challenges such as staffing inefficiencies and declining enrollment in traditional public schools.
Declining Enrollment and Staffing Trends
Public school enrollment has dropped in more than half of U.S. states since 2014, with approximately 775,000 fewer students nationwide. During the same period, the number of school employees has increased by about 620,000, raising questions about resource allocation. For example, Frederick Douglass Academy High School in Chicago, designed for over 1,000 students, now enrolls just 27 children while employing 28 adults, with a per-pupil spending of over $90,000.
Reactions from Education Leaders
Former U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings described the PISA results as a sign that American students are falling behind in critical skills. “Our kids are going in the wrong direction on the skills that are absolutely essential for their — and our — success,” she stated. The data has intensified calls for education reform, with some advocates pushing for expanded school choice options.
Public Perception and Policy Shifts
The combination of low satisfaction scores and poor international rankings has fueled discussions about the effectiveness of traditional public education. Some parents and policymakers argue that the current system is bureaucratic and unresponsive, while others emphasize the need for targeted investments in struggling schools. The debate reflects broader tensions over how to improve educational outcomes amid rising costs and shifting demographics.