Recent national exam results reveal a disheartening trend in American education, particularly in reading skills, which continue to decline to their lowest levels in over two decades. The latest NAEP results indicate that while some states, like Tennessee and Louisiana, show marked improvements, many others are grappling with significant learning loss, especially among disadvantaged students. A majority of students across the nation, including those from areas like New York City, Maryland, and Alabama, show little to no recovery from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, math scores saw slight improvements in certain regions, but overall, the national picture remains bleak, with students showing stagnation or worsening performance. The widening achievement gap, particularly evident in states like Wisconsin, underscores the continuing challenges faced by educators and policymakers. Overall, the data paints a concerning portrait of educational progress in the US, where recovery from pandemic-related setbacks appears distant.