Researchers warn that the U.S. is experiencing a 'reading recession,' with students performing nearly half a grade level behind pre-pandemic levels in reading and only slightly better in math. The decline predates the COVID-19 pandemic, with reading scores falling since 2013 for eighth graders and 2015 for fourth graders, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. However, some states and school districts, including Modesto, California, have reversed the trend by adopting phonics-based instruction and providing extra support for struggling readers.
Core Findings
Scholars from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth analyzed state test scores from third to eighth grade across 5,000 school districts in 38 states. Only five states and the District of Columbia showed meaningful growth in reading scores from 2022 to 2025. Nationally, students remain nearly half a grade level behind pre-pandemic reading levels, while math scores show slight improvement. The pandemic exacerbated existing declines, but the 'learning recession' began a decade ago, according to Thomas Kane, a Harvard professor who helped create the Education Scorecard.
Bright Spots and Solutions
Despite the overall decline, some districts have made progress. In Modesto, California, teacher Nancy Barajas uses creative strategies like disco ball 'pre-celebrations' to boost student confidence before tests. The district has seen consistent improvements in both reading and math scores. Researchers attribute success in certain areas to shifts toward phonics-based instruction and targeted support for struggling readers. Math scores have improved in almost every state, with student absenteeism also declining in most regions.
Policy and Long-Term Implications
The decline in reading scores has been linked to the reduction of test-based accountability and the rise of social media's influence on children's lives. Some states that have made legislative changes to reading instruction have seen gains. The recovery of U.S. education has begun, but it remains uneven across the country. Federal relief dollars have helped low-income districts recover, but sustained efforts are needed to address the long-term decline.