The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Long-Term Trend (LTT) results for reading and mathematics at ages 9 and 13 were released on Wednesday, showing improvement for younger students while scores for 13-year-olds remained flat.

Local Efforts to Boost Reading Habits

In North Texas, communities are exploring new ways to boost reading habits among children and youth. The Dallas Independent School District has expanded its book vending machine program to nearly 60 campuses, providing free, age-appropriate books to students.

The NAEP results come as education officials across the country are working to inform instruction and policy. The LTT assessments have tracked performance since the 1970s, offering one of the longest-running indicators of U.S. student achievement in reading and math.

Student survey data accompanying the results highlight ongoing challenges with reading engagement. In 2025, only 14% of 13-year-olds reported reading for fun almost every day — the same low level seen in 2023 and down sharply from 35% in 1984.

Experts point to increased screen time, smartphones, social media, and competing digital entertainment as primary factors contributing to the long-term decline in voluntary reading.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.