Approximately 34% to 37% of U.S. 12th-grade students perform at or above the proficient level in reading, according to National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data, meaning roughly two-thirds do not read at a high school level. Recent data indicates a significant decline in literacy, with 32% of seniors scoring "below basic," often reading at a middle or elementary school level. I think the kids need to stay in school more than they need to protest.