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American students face declines in math, science scores compared to international peers: report

American fourth and eighth graders are struggling with math after COVID-19 prompted school closures across the country, per a new report.

American students took the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) along with students from other countries, with nations like Finland and England surpassing the U.S. in math and science respectively. 

American fourth and eighth graders are struggling with math after COVID-19 prompted school closures across the country, per a new report. (iStock)

"Coming out of Covid, parents and students got comfortable with the idea that it’s OK to stay home," a middle school principal in Georgia, Suzan Harris, told The Journal. 

Scores for American students dropped after years of gains, according to the Journal, falling even faster compared to other countries in eighth grade math and fourth grade science. 

Some education experts argue that the education gaps in the U.S. cannot be solved easily.  (iStock )

Some education experts argue that the education gaps in the U.S. cannot be solved easily. 

"It takes a certain amount of time to teach the Pythagorean theorem," he said. "Teachers can’t just talk faster."

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As President-elect Trump continues to assemble his Cabinet before taking office on Jan. 20, his education policy became a focus of debate after announcing his intention to appoint Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education. 

McMahon, the former head of World Wrestling Entertainment, will likely lead an effort to reduce federal government involvement in education for students, if she is successfully appointed.

Fox News' Josh Nelson contributed to this report.