U.S. students' "reading recession" continuing but some places bucking the trend, report shows

Key Points:

• Despite a national decline in reading scores predating the pandemic, some elementary schools in Modesto, California, have seen consistent improvements in both reading and math through innovative approaches like phonics-based instruction and enhanced teacher training.
• A national Education Scorecard analysis revealed that only five states and the District of Columbia showed meaningful growth in reading scores from 2022 to 2025, with most students still lagging behind pre-pandemic reading levels, while math scores improved in nearly every state.
• Researchers attribute the "reading recession" to factors including reduced emphasis on phonics instruction and increased social media use, but states like Louisiana, Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana have reversed declines by implementing "science of reading" methods and supporting struggling readers.
• Urban districts such as Detroit have improved reading scores and attendance through targeted funding, small group support, and proactive attendance efforts following a landmark lawsuit, though overall achievement remains below national averages.
• Southern states have led education reforms with significant gains in reading and math by adopting research-based teaching, standardized testing, and intervention programs, demonstrating that sustained progress in education is achievable nationwide.