Nine out of ten parents in the United States believe their children are performing at or above grade level in reading and math, but many are mistaken. National Assessment of Educational Progress (N.A.E.P.) data shows that the actual proficiency rates among eighth graders are 30 percent for reading and 28 percent for math. This discrepancy between grades and test scores is more pronounced in schools with higher populations of low-income students, as highlighted in a 2023 study.

This issue has worsened over the last 15 years due to an increase in grade inflation. From 2010 to 2022, high school grade-point averages rose significantly, particularly in math, where the average increased to 3.32 from 3.02.

Standardized testing, which serves as an independent assessment of school performance, is becoming less reliable. Federal law mandates annual standardized tests for math and reading for grades three through eight. However, some states have reduced the score required for a student to be considered ‘proficient.’ This has led to apparent improvements on paper without corresponding improvements in classroom learning.

For example, Wisconsin redesigned its assessment, resulting in a rise in English proficiency from 39 percent to 48 percent. Illinois and Kansas have made similar adjustments. In over half of the states, state reading test proficiency rates exceed national test rates by 15 percentage points or more. In some states, this gap is even larger.

The federal government is exacerbating the issue. In 2025, under the Trump administration, the Education Department, responsible for national testing, was significantly reduced. Although there are signs of rebuilding, certain assessments have already been limited.