Education Department: Math And Reading Scores Of 12th Graders In The US Decline

The average score of 12th graders in the U.S. for mathematics and reading assessment tests have dropped from previous years. These results came from the "nation's report card" released by the Education Department.

Many parents and education leaders are disappointed with the performance and results for the reading and math assessment tests for 12th graders. "We're not making the academic progress that we need to so that there's greater preparedness for post-secondary, for work, for military participation," National Assessment Governing Board Executive Director Bill Bushaw told ABC 7.

The mathematics score of the 12th graders dropped to 152 from the average score of 153 from 2013—the last time the test was taken, reports. This is the first time in 10 years that the average mathematics score of 12th graders has dropped from the previous year.

"The math assessment measures students' skills and ability to apply knowledge to problem-solving," Reuters explains. Only 25 percent of the 13,200 12th graders who took the test performed proficiently in mathematics.

For the reading average score, it fell from 288 in 2013 to 287 in 2015. The reading test was composed of questions based on reading materials provided for the 19,000 12th grade students who took the reading exam.

Education Department Secretary John King Jr. stated that educators are already trying to implement changes and improvements in order to improve the quality of education for all students. However, he commented that these changes will not have a significant effect overnight and that people need to be patient but focused in reaching their academic goals.