Cutler: 2024 Nation’s Report Card Showcases Need for Drastic Education Reforms

September 12, 2025

HARRISBURG - After the results of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation's Report Card, were released to the public earlier this week, Republican Chair of the Education Committee released the following statement on the scores:

"The 2024 NAEP scores show we are not just on the edge of a crisis in education, we are in one today. These scores show nearly every percentile had a significant decrease in reading, math and science from where they were in 2019.

"Students across the country in grades eight and 12 were assessed; eighth graders were tested on science, and 12th graders were tested on math and reading. These scores were compared to those in 2019, and the results are very concerning. Students performing at or above proficiency for eighth grade science fell four points lower than in 2019, while students performing below proficiency rose five points; Students performing at or above proficiency for 12th grade math fell two points lower than 2019, while students performing below proficiency rose five points; Students performing at or above proficiency for 12th grade reading fell two points lower than 2019, while students performing below proficiency rose two points.

"Less students are achieving proficiency, while more students are failing to meet proficiency.

"In the aftermath of the learning loss many students suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these scores may be unsurprising to some. But it is another data point that shows we need drastic education reforms in Pennsylvania. We need to find new styles and ways to educate every child, while also recognizing our students and their families need choices so they can find a pathway that benefits them the most.

"We can do better for our students. But we must find a different pathway than the one they are on today."

These scores are explained via this video from Nation's Report Card.

Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Joe Szymanski
717-808-4961
[email protected]
www.repcutler.com /www.facebook.com/repbryancutler