U.S. Faces Ongoing 'Reading Recession' as Scores Decline Across States
Map Shows States Where Children’s Reading Scores Are Getting Worse
Newsweek
Image: Newsweek
A new analysis by researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth reveals that U.S. children's reading scores have been declining for nearly a decade, exacerbated by the pandemic. Only a few states, particularly in the South, have shown improvement, while many others continue to struggle, indicating a persistent 'reading recession.'
- 01Reading scores have been declining for about a decade, worsened by the pandemic.
- 02Only five states and the District of Columbia have shown significant reading score improvements since 2022.
- 03The decline in reading performance is linked to policy choices and local conditions.
- 04Early literacy reforms, particularly phonics-based instruction, are associated with better outcomes.
- 05Chronic absenteeism and social media influence are contributing factors to declining reading skills.
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A national analysis from researchers at Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth indicates that the U.S. is experiencing a prolonged 'reading recession,' which predates the COVID-19 pandemic. The study examined state test results from over 5,000 school districts across 38 states, revealing that reading scores have been declining for nearly a decade, with only five states plus the District of Columbia showing meaningful improvements between 2022 and 2025. The report highlights that most states have stagnated or worsened in reading outcomes, leaving students nearly half a grade level behind pre-pandemic reading performance.
The analysis attributes the decline to a combination of factors, including the weakening of test-based accountability, rising social media use affecting attention spans, and the impact of the pandemic. While states like Louisiana, Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana have implemented effective early literacy reforms, many others have not, resulting in uneven recovery across the country. The report emphasizes that reading is foundational for academic success, and failure to improve literacy skills could lead to long-term societal issues, including reduced job readiness and increased inequality.
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The decline in reading scores affects students' ability to learn across subjects, which can hinder their academic progress and future opportunities.
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