Many parents in the United States believe their children are doing well academically. However, data tells a different story. Nearly 90% of parents assume their children are performing at or above grade level in reading and math, which is often incorrect. National Assessment of Educational Progress (N.A.E.P.) reveals that only 30% of eighth graders are proficient in reading, and 28% in math. The mismatch between report card grades and test scores is most pronounced in schools with a high number of low-income students, as highlighted by a 2023 study.
Grade inflation has worsened over the past 15 years, contributing to this discrepancy. From 2010 to 2022, the average high school GPA rose significantly, with a notable increase in math grades, climbing to 3.32 from 3.02.
Standardized testing, a critical tool for measuring student performance, is also facing challenges. Federal law mandates yearly standardized tests in math and reading for grades three through eight. Despite this, several states have lowered proficiency score thresholds, which artificially boosts achievement levels without actual classroom improvement.
In one example, Wisconsin adjusted its testing standards, leading to an increase in English proficiency rates from 39% to 48%. Illinois and Kansas have made similar changes. Over half of the states show that their state reading test proficiency outstrips national test rates by more than 15 percentage points, with some states showing even larger discrepancies.
This issue was exacerbated by federal actions in 2025, when the Trump administration significantly reduced the capacity of the Education Department, which oversees national testing. Although there are reports of the agency’s rebuilding efforts, some assessments have been reduced, further complicating the situation.
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