Reading scores hit 25-year low as AI use rises

American 15-year-olds have experienced a significant drop in reading proficiency, marking a 25-year low according to a recent assessment by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. While U.S. students still outperform the global OECD average, the downward trend is stark. Globally, average reading scores fell by 28 points over the last decade, with the U.S. seeing a seven-point decline between 2015 and 2025. This shift has prompted educators to question how digital tools are altering the fundamental process of learning.

The assessment surveyed over 4,500 U.S. students from 144 schools, placing their results in context with roughly 90 other countries and economies. Although three-quarters of American teens demonstrated the ability to identify main ideas and reflect on text purpose, the overall trajectory is concerning. Yvette Renteria, chief program officer at Common Sense Media, described the trend as “extremely disappointing,” noting that despite having abundant resources, schools are failing to serve every student effectively. She emphasized the need to look “underneath the hood” to understand why performance is slipping.

AI shortcuts cognitive struggle

A primary concern is the growing reliance on artificial intelligence chatbots. The OECD reported that nearly half of students in member countries use AI weekly or more for learning. Data suggests that students who avoid using AI to draft text for writing assignments often outperform those who do. Andreas Schleicher, the OECD’s director for education and skills, argues that learning requires a “cognitive struggle” that is often lost when AI handles the heavy lifting. This creates a trade-off: while AI can provide quick answers, it may simultaneously prevent the deep processing necessary for long-term comprehension.

Students report reduced independent thinking

Surveys from Common Sense Media indicate that 70% of teens use AI for schoolwork, with 63% using it to get answers directly. While some students use the technology to brainstorm or verify their own ideas, others rely on it as their first stop when stuck. Approximately 40% of surveyed students feel they are missing out on learning when using AI for assignments. They report generating fewer ideas on their own when the technology is available, suggesting a potential erosion of critical thinking skills. Renteria believes this is a major factor in the declining reading scores, though she acknowledges it is not the only one.

Educators lack clear guidance

Despite the widespread adoption of these tools, there is a lack of formal guidance for teachers on how to integrate AI responsibly into the classroom. Gallup surveys highlight this gap, with educators expressing concerns about student focus and critical thinking. Renteria notes that while technology can support diverse learning needs, it risks becoming a crutch rather than a scaffold. The challenge for schools is to balance the utility of digital tools with the need for students to engage in the difficult, rewarding work of independent thought. As reported by GN technics/ai (en-US), the core issue is not the technology itself, but how it is used to shortcut the learning process.