International peers outperform American students in math and science scores, according to a report.

A report indicates that American fourth and eighth graders are facing difficulties in math due to school closures across the country resulting from COVID-19.

"Peggy Carr, a commissioner at an agency within the U.S. Department of Education, stated in a Wall Street Journal report that the declines in certain areas are sharp and steep. She emphasized that this is not solely due to the pandemic's impact."

Students from the U.S., along with those from other countries, took the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). In math, Finland and England outperformed the U.S., while in science, England excelled.

American education trends are raising concerns among some educators.

A middle school principal in Georgia, Suzan Harris, informed The Journal that as they emerged from the Covid pandemic, both parents and students became accustomed to the notion that it is acceptable to remain at home.

After years of improvement, American students' scores in eighth grade math and fourth grade science have declined at a faster rate than other countries, according to the Journal.

Across the nation, including in Chicago, school systems are grappling with increased "chronic absenteeism" among students and teachers who have missed more than 10 days of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Last year, over 41% of Chicago Public School (CPS) teachers took more than 10 days off, according to the Chicago Tribune.

According to some education experts, closing the education gaps in the U.S. is a complex issue that cannot be resolved easily.

""Teaching the Pythagorean theorem requires a specific duration of time, and simply speaking faster won't suffice," he stated."

The appointment of Linda McMahon as head of the Department of Education by President-elect Donald Trump has sparked debate about his education policy.

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

Planet Chronicle' Josh Nelson contributed to this report.