A recent OECD survey reveals a troubling decline in reading and math scores among students, coinciding with increased reliance on AI tools for learning.
Student performance in reading and math has reached alarming lows, particularly as reliance on AI tools increases. A recent survey released by the OECD indicates that average reading scores among 15-year-olds have fallen by 28 points from 2015 to 2025, while math scores dropped by 22 points. This trend raises critical questions about the future of education and the readiness of students for college and beyond.
The OECD’s assessment, based on data from around 760,000 students across 91 countries, revealed that one in five students is now classified as a low performer in core subjects, a significant increase from 16% in 2022. The findings suggest a worrying trend in educational outcomes, particularly as students increasingly turn to AI for assistance with their studies. The implications of this decline are profound, as they may hinder students’ ability to compete in a global job market that increasingly values analytical and problem-solving skills.
Declining Performance in Core Subjects
According to the OECD, reading performance has been declining for years, with a particularly sharp drop noted after 2018. The latest PISA results show that many students now read at a level expected of younger students from seven years ago. This regression in reading skills is alarming, especially considering the increasing use of AI tools for educational tasks. A report from Career Ahead indicates that students who frequently use AI for tasks such as summarizing texts or drafting essays often struggle with comprehension and retention, leading to poorer performance in standardized assessments.
In addition to the decline in reading, math scores have also seen a significant downturn. The OECD reports that between 2022 and 2025, math scores fell by nine points across 35 countries with comparable data. This decline raises questions about the effectiveness of current teaching methods and the role of technology in student learning. The reliance on AI may contribute to a superficial understanding of mathematical concepts, as students might prioritize quick solutions over deep comprehension. Furthermore, the OECD’s findings reveal a troubling trend: the proportion of students classified as proficient in math has decreased, suggesting that foundational skills are not being adequately developed.
Career Ahead’s analysis finds that students who use AI for specific schoolwork tasks, such as summarizing texts or drafting essays, tend to score lower in subjects like science compared to their peers who do not rely on AI for these tasks. This suggests that while AI can be a helpful tool, it may also hinder the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for academic success. The increased dependency on AI tools may lead students to overlook the importance of engaging deeply with material, which is crucial for mastering complex subjects.
The decline in reading fluency is particularly concerning, as it can affect students’ ability to analyze and synthesize information, skills that are vital for success in higher education and beyond.
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The OECD’s findings also indicate a shift in how students engage with reading material. The proportion of accurate and fluent readers has decreased, while the number of hasty readers—those who provide quick but incorrect answers—has increased. This pattern aligns with the growing reliance on AI, which may lead to a superficial understanding of complex texts. The decline in reading fluency is particularly concerning, as it can affect students’ ability to analyze and synthesize information, skills that are vital for success in higher education and beyond.
Challenges for Educators and Students
The decline in reading and math scores poses significant challenges for high school students, particularly as they prepare for college. With AI tools becoming more prevalent in educational settings, students must develop a strong foundation in these core subjects to succeed in higher education and the workforce. The reliance on AI could create a generation of students who are ill-equipped to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market, where critical thinking and analytical skills are paramount.
Teachers play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. They must adapt their teaching strategies to incorporate AI literacy while also emphasizing the importance of foundational skills in reading and math. This may involve rethinking curricula to ensure that students not only learn how to use AI tools but also understand the underlying concepts and skills necessary for academic success. Educators must also be vigilant in monitoring students’ use of AI, ensuring that it complements rather than replaces traditional learning methods.
Furthermore, college education majors need to be aware of these trends as they enter the workforce. The decline in reading and math proficiency among students may affect their future classrooms, necessitating a focus on strategies that can help improve these skills. For example, integrating more hands-on learning experiences and critical thinking exercises into lesson plans could counteract the negative effects of AI reliance. The need for educators to foster a balanced approach to technology in the classroom is essential, as it can help students develop the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Urgency for Action
Career Ahead’s review of the data emphasizes the need for immediate action. As reading and math scores continue to decline, educators and policymakers must work together to create a more balanced approach to education that leverages AI while still prioritizing essential skills. This approach will be vital in preparing students for the challenges they will face in the future job market. The implications of these trends extend beyond individual students and classrooms. A generation of students lacking proficiency in reading and math could lead to a workforce unprepared for the demands of an increasingly complex economy.
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As educational institutions adapt to these changes, it will be crucial to monitor their strategies. Will they embrace AI as a tool for enhancing learning, or will they recognize the need to refocus on foundational skills? The answers to these questions will shape the future of education and the readiness of students for the workforce. The urgency of addressing these educational declines cannot be overstated, as they may have long-lasting effects on both individual students and society as a whole.
As reading and math scores continue to decline, educators and policymakers must work together to create a more balanced approach to education that leverages AI while still prioritizing essential skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can high school students improve their math scores despite AI usage?
Students can improve their math scores by focusing on foundational skills through hands-on learning and critical thinking exercises. Engaging with teachers who emphasize problem-solving and conceptual understanding can also help mitigate the negative effects of AI reliance.
What strategies should college education majors adopt to address declining reading skills?
College education majors should prioritize strategies that integrate critical thinking and comprehension skills into their lesson plans. This may include incorporating diverse reading materials and encouraging discussions that promote deeper understanding.
What should teachers do about the impact of AI on student performance in core subjects?
Teachers should adapt their teaching methods to include AI literacy while still emphasizing the importance of foundational skills in reading and math. This could involve rethinking curricula to balance technology use with traditional learning methods.
Education & University Insights
Education & University Insights
