The latest results from the 2025 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Long-Term Trend Assessments reveal ongoing concerns about academic performance among middle school students in the United States. While some student groups have made gains, experts emphasize that many schools continue to underperform, particularly for children aged 13.

The data show reading and math scores for 9-year-olds trending positively, yet scores for 13-year-olds have remained stagnant since 2023. Moreover, these middle school results are notably lower compared to benchmarks set in 2012 and 2020. Analysts attribute part of this stagnation to disruptions caused by COVID-19 shutdowns, which compounded the effects of extensive education reforms and experimental approaches implemented throughout the 2010s. These factors are said to have undermined nearly a decade of steady academic progress.

Education commentators stress the urgency of addressing what is often referred to as the "middle school slump," a period during which student achievement frequently plateaus or declines. They argue that solutions require a comprehensive strategy focused on reinforcing foundational skills in reading and mathematics, rather than relying on frequent but ineffective reform initiatives.

Critics of current approaches point to the proliferation of "overhyped fixes" that fail to deliver consistent improvements. Instead, they advocate for schools to prioritize getting the basic elements of education right to support middle school students more effectively.

Overall, the 2025 NAEP findings highlight a need for targeted efforts aimed at reversing the decline or stagnation observed in early adolescent academic outcomes, underscoring the importance of restoring and maintaining core educational standards during this critical phase of student development.