KEY TAKEAWAYS:

12th graders’ reading and math scores hit lowest levels in over 20 years.

Eighth graders show significant science score declines; achievement gaps widen.

Declines linked to pandemic disruptions, screen time, and changes in classroom instruction.

Gender gap re-emerges in STEM courses; fewer students engage in hands-on learning.

A decade-long slide in high schoolers’ reading and math performance persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 12th graders’ scores dropping to their lowest level in more than 20 years, according to results released Tuesday from an exam known as the nation’s report card.

Eighth-grade students also lost significant ground in science skills, according to the results from the National Assessment of Education Progress.

The assessments were the f

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