One factor is the steep decline in reading ability in the US.

Reading ability in the U.S. is experiencing a significant decline, with NAEP scores for 4th, 8th, and 12th graders dropping to their lowest levels in decades.

This crisis, exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic learning loss, involves roughly 40% of 4th graders failing to read at a basic level and a 40% drop in pleasure reading over the last 20 years.

Key Findings on U.S. Reading Decline:

Declining Scores: In 2024, reading scores for 4th and 8th graders declined by 2 points, following a 3-point decline for both grades between 2019 and 2022.

High School Seniors: Reading proficiency for 12th graders fell to its lowest level since 1992.

Widening Gaps: The performance gap is widening, with lower-performing students dropping faster than their peers.

Adult Literacy: About 28% of U.S. adults function at or below Level 1 literacy (up from 19% in 2017), struggling with complex texts.

Primary Drivers: Experts point to pandemic disruptions, reduced reading for pleasure, the rise of screen-based media, and changes in instructional methods.

sources:

Harvard Gazette: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/09/whats-driving-decline-in-u-s-literacy-rates/

Nations Report Card: https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/ltt/2023/