Topic: Reading Scores

Data from the Harlem Children's Zone and nationwide testing shows that reading and math scores for fourth and eighth graders have dropped to 30-year lows following pandemic lockdowns. Emergency departments have seen a 50% increase in children presenting with mental health crises. Experts describe the pandemic as "throwing gasoline" on a pre-existing youth mental health fire.

The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report shows that US high school seniors are losing ground in math and reading, with only 37% judged college-ready. A Jimmy Kimmel "Man on the Street" segment illustrates this decline, showing young adults who can name numerous Marvel characters but cannot identify US presidents or the Vice President.