Reading and math scores taking significant decline in U.S. schools

(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the "Nation's Report Card," U.S. reading and math scores are heading in the wrong direction.

The average math score for fourth-graders was five-points lower than it was in 2019, while eighth graders saw their math grades drop eight-points in that same time frame.

Reading scores also dropped for both fourth and eighth graders.

Officials say the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced many students to be taught on-line as opposed to face-to-face in the classroom, appears to have played a factor in these decreases.

The findings were based on tests given during the first three-months of this year.

U.S. Secretary Miguel Cardona says these reading and math scores are "appalling and unacceptable."