Let’s talk about something that tends to fly under the radar, but impacts all of us—math and reading scores. Across the U.S., there are states where students consistently perform below national averages, particularly in math and reading. But why? What’s going on in these regions that holds students back from reaching their full potential?
I’ve done some digging into the research, and here’s what I found—this issue is way more complex than we often realize. It’s not just about teachers or schools. It’s about economics, resources, health, and even geography. Let’s break it down.
1. The Poverty Trap
First up: socioeconomic factors. We all know that poverty can have far-reaching consequences, but when it comes to education, the impact is especially stark. Students from low-income families often come to school at a disadvantage. They might not have access to books or the internet at home, and basic needs like nutrition and healthcare often go unmet. It’s hard to focus on learning algebra when you’re worried about your next meal.
Parents with lower educational attainment can also struggle to provide the academic support their kids need. This isn’t about blame—it’s about the reality that many parents are working multiple jobs just to keep the lights on, leaving little time or energy for homework help.
2. The Money Problem: School Funding Matters
Here’s a big one: school funding. If you’ve ever wondered why schools in wealthier areas seem to outperform those in poorer regions, the answer often boils down to money. Schools in low-income areas typically receive less funding, which means fewer resources—whether it’s technology, updated textbooks, or even basic supplies like pencils and paper.
And let’s talk about teachers. More funding often means better salaries, which helps attract and retain quality teachers. Without this, schools in lower-funded areas tend to have higher turnover rates, leaving students with less experienced, and sometimes under-qualified, educators.
3. Teacher Shortages and Turnover
Speaking of teachers, there’s a real teacher shortage issue happening, especially in states where math and reading scores are lowest. The states struggling the most often can’t retain their best teachers, leading to frequent turnover. Imagine trying to build any momentum in your learning when a new teacher comes in every year. It’s tough. Plus, schools with fewer resources can’t always offer professional development or specialized training in math and reading, which means teachers may not be fully equipped to meet the challenges of their classrooms.
4. Outdated Curriculums Aren’t Helping
A major factor that gets less attention? Curriculum. Some states are using outdated teaching materials that don’t align with modern education standards. In math, especially, this can be a disaster. When students aren’t engaged or challenged by the material, it’s no wonder their scores start to slip.
Worse yet, many schools in low-scoring states spend less time on math and reading because they’re caught up in preparing students for standardized tests. We’ve all heard the phrase “teaching to the test,” and it’s a real problem. Focusing too much on test prep can leave students without a deeper understanding of core subjects like math and reading.
5. The Test Anxiety Trap
And while we’re on the topic of tests, let’s address test anxiety. In states where scores are low, students often face high-pressure environments. This can lead to stress, which tanks performance. We’ve all been there—the more stressed you are about an exam, the harder it is to focus and do well. Multiply that by an entire state’s education system, and you can see how high-stakes testing creates a vicious cycle.
6. Early Education—or Lack Thereof
Here’s another nugget that’s crucial to understand: early childhood education matters. Big time. Research consistently shows that kids who attend quality preschools enter kindergarten better prepared. But in many low-performing states, access to these programs is limited. Without those early skills in place, students often struggle to catch up in later grades, especially when it comes to reading and math.
7. Language Barriers and Cultural Disconnects
In states with large populations of English Language Learners (ELLs), language can be a barrier to success in reading and math. It’s not that these students can’t do the work, but imagine trying to solve a math word problem when you’re still learning the language it’s written in. It’s a tall order.
On top of that, when the curriculum doesn’t reflect students’ cultural backgrounds, they can become disengaged, making it harder to connect with the material—especially in reading, where context is key to comprehension.
8. Rural vs. Urban Challenges
Whether a state is rural or urban can also play a huge role in its math and reading scores. Rural schools often struggle with isolation, fewer resources, and difficulty attracting qualified teachers. Meanwhile, urban schools can be overcrowded, underfunded, and face challenges related to poverty and inequality. The result? Both groups face unique, but significant, obstacles that drag down student performance.
9. Health and Well-Being: The Silent Factor
It’s hard to separate academic performance from health and well-being. Poor nutrition, lack of healthcare, and untreated learning disabilities all contribute to lower scores. Some kids might be struggling with vision or hearing issues, making it harder to engage in class. Others might be dealing with emotional stress from family instability, which makes focusing on school a major challenge.
10. Community and Parental Support
Lastly, let’s not overlook the importance of parental and community involvement. In lower-scoring states, there’s often less parental engagement, not because parents don’t care, but because they’re stretched thin. Working multiple jobs, economic pressures, or a lack of education themselves can limit how much support they can offer. Schools need strong communities and involved parents to thrive.
The Bottom Line
So, why do some states struggle with low math and reading scores? It’s a tangled web of factors that goes far beyond the classroom. It’s about the resources we provide, the teachers we attract, and the support we offer families. It’s about the systems we build—or, in many cases, fail to build.
To turn things around, we need to address these issues holistically. That means boosting school funding, supporting teachers, investing in early childhood education, and offering real help to the communities that need it most.
Because here’s the thing: when students struggle in math and reading, it’s not just their problem. It’s all of ours.
GPTs-and-Me 