US math and reading scores hit a 25-year low as the federal data agency is gutted

US math and reading scores have fallen to their lowest level in 25 years. The National Center for Education Statistics, which produces The Nation’s Report Card and guides education policy, was gutted after Doge canceled nearly $900 million in Department of Education contracts; its staff fell from about 100 to four and now stands at 12, leaving the US with fewer tools to track and address the decline.