The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress data marks a troubling decline in reading, math, and science scores among U.S. students, especially 12th graders reaching their lowest reading scores since 1992. Scores reveal a decade-long downward trajectory pre-dating the pandemic. The achievement gap between highest- and lowest-performing students continues to widen, with the lowest performers falling further behind. Education officials warn that these findings demand focused action to accelerate student learning and address systemic challenges in U.S. education.