The US military is feeling the effects of declining math scores, while colleges are struggling with students who lack reading stamina. New national test results show significant declines in 12th-grade math and reading abilities since 2019.
These changes reflect broader societal trends, including increased screen time for young people and adults. Lower-scoring students have been losing ground for a decade, contributing to the decline. The US ranks 28th in the world for math, behind countries like Japan, Canada, and the UK.
Experts warn that fundamental reading and math skills are crucial for many jobs. Employers and industry leaders emphasize the need for workers to understand what they’re reading, ensure accuracy, and make informed decisions.
To address the issue, some companies are investing in on-the-job training programs and partnering with high schools to provide students with work experience. The US military is also taking steps to train recruits with lower test scores.
A solution may lie in helping students get ready for the workforce before they leave high school. Companies like Wellstar Health System are partnering with schools to create pipelines of new talent, providing students with part-time jobs and healthcare certificates.
As the country continues to struggle with declining math and reading skills, experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to address this issue.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/25/us/what-declines-in-reading-and-math-mean-for-the-us-work-force.html