You might find the following question on a first-grade math test: “Fill in the box: 7+2=[blank]+6.” But what you wouldn’t expect is for 25 percent of incoming freshman at a highly ranked university to ...

You might find the following question on a first-grade math test: "Fill in the box: 7+2 = [blank] + 6." What you wouldn't expect is for 25 percent of incoming freshmen at a highly ranked university to ...

You might find the following question on a first-grade math test: “Fill in the box: 7+2=[blank]+6.” But what you wouldn’t expect is for 25 percent of incoming freshman at a highly ranked university to ...

This story has been edited to add additional information about 12th grade mathematics and reading scores. Eighth grade students’ science test scores have fallen to the level they were in 2009, the ...