Plunging test scores are a slow-moving catastrophe

The Economist reports that global test scores, specifically math and reading scores, have been declining over the past two decades. This decline is affecting developed and developing countries alike, with the US, the UK, and Australia experiencing notable drops. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) attributes the decline to a lack of emphasis on basic skills such as reading and math in education systems. The OECD found that students in countries with a strong focus on basic skills tend to perform better in math and reading. Additionally, the decline in test scores is not isolated to a single test or subject, but is a broad trend across multiple assessments. The decline in test scores is a long-term trend, with the OECD reporting that math scores have been declining since the early 2000s. The article suggests that this decline in test scores has significant implications for the global economy and workforce, as basic skills are essential for future economic growth and competitiveness.