US reading scores hit near-25-year low in latest global assessment

What the report says

The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results released by the OECD on Tuesday show that reading scores for 15-year-olds in the United States fell to their lowest level in roughly 25 years. According to Al Jazeera, U.S. reading performance dropped 14 points from the previous 2022 assessment, while the OECD average across 23 countries also declined. The report also highlighted a wide gap in U.S. student outcomes, with 25.7 percent of students classified as low performers in reading and 13.3 percent as top performers.

Al Jazeera reported that the result lands amid a push by President Donald Trump’s administration to reduce the federal government’s role in education and expand “school choice.” Trump has ordered steps toward dismantling the Department of Education, arguing that federal spending has not improved test scores. Education Secretary Linda McMahon echoed that position in a statement to Al Jazeera, calling for a “hard reset” and more authority for states, along with alternative education options.

The article said the term “school choice” usually refers to public funding being redirected toward charter schools, private school tuition, homeschooling or related programs. Supporters describe it as educational freedom, while critics say it can weaken public education and reduce oversight. OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said the findings underline the urgency of reversing learning losses and investing in teachers and targeted support for struggling students.