A new report from the Foundation for Florida's Future highlights a downturn in the state's academic progress. Between 1996 and 2011, Florida fourth‑grade students improved by 24 points on the National Assessment of Educational Progress math assessment, positioning the state as a national leader in student achievement. Since 2011, however, performance has largely stagnated or declined across most NAEP subjects. The 2024 results show fourth‑grade reading scores at their lowest level since at least 2003, with eighth‑grade reading and math also reaching historic lows. The report notes that the earlier gains were the result of deliberate policy choices — high academic standards, transparent school grading and accountability measures — rather than inevitable trends. Other states, such as Mississippi and Louisiana, have recently posted improvements that narrow or surpass Florida's previous lead. Nathan Hoffman, senior legislative director of the Foundation for Florida's Future, argues that regaining national standing will require adopting the same rigorous reforms that drove earlier success.