Why U.S. High School Seniors Are Reading Less — And Why It Matters

High school seniors are reading less proficiently than in years past, and the latest data from the 2024 NAEP “Nation’s Report Card” makes it clear: the decline is not just a small dip—it’s a trend with real-world implications for college, career, and lifelong learning.

In 2024, the average reading score for 12th graders fell by 3 points compared to 2019, and by 10 points compared to the first NAEP reading test in 1992. The drop is most pronounced among lower-performing students: the bottom 10th percentile has lost nearly 24 points over this period. Today, about one in three seniors scores below basic reading proficiency, meaning they may struggle with even fundamental comprehension.

Survey data sheds light on potential contributors. More students reported missing school recently, and disparities in instructional opportunities and engagement remain significant. While top-performing students are holding steady, students already at risk are slipping further behind. These gaps signal that schools may need to focus not just on curriculum, but also on engagement, support, and equitable access to resources.

Gender differences also emerged: declines between 2019 and 2024 were larger for female students than males, particularly in middle-to-upper performance ranges. The broader pattern highlights long-term challenges in reading achievement, raising concerns about preparedness for postsecondary demands and the workforce. 

Reading is more than a school subject—it’s the foundation for navigating life, learning independently, and participating fully in society. The NAEP 2024 results serve as a wake-up call: policymakers, educators, and communities need to collaborate to ensure that all students, especially those at risk, have the support and opportunities to become confident, capable readers.