The American Dream Needs Strong Foundations
Why falling test scores threaten the next generation of innovators and business leaders.
Tomorrow’s entrepreneurs will inherit a nation that has long celebrated innovation, self-reliance, and the power of business creation to fuel prosperity. From the days of pioneers and industrialists to the modern era of tech visionaries and small business owners, America has always been built on entrepreneurship. And just as in the past, our future still depends on the ability of entrepreneurs to solve problems, create jobs, and drive growth. Yet the question we must confront is sobering: how can tomorrow’s generation carry this torch if so many of them are struggling to read, comprehend, or do basic math?
The latest Nation’s Report Card delivers a warning that echoes through classrooms, boardrooms, and legislative halls alike. New test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), released earlier this year, reveal troubling declines. Eighth-grade science scores fell four points since 2019. Twelfth-grade math and reading scores each dropped three points over the same period. And compared with 1992, the first year NAEP tracked twelfth-grade reading, today’s average score is ten points lower. These declines are not a blip caused by the pandemic or other recent disruptions — they represent a steady slide that has stretched over more than a decade. As Matthew Soldner, acting director of the Institute of Education Sciences, warned: “Scores for our lowest-performing students are at historic lows — continued declines that began more than a decade ago.”
Check out an article about the test scores HERE.
This erosion of basic educational achievement is more than an academic issue. It has profound implications for the entrepreneurial pipeline that America depends on. The entrepreneurial spirit thrives on problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability. But without strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, the essential skills required to analyze opportunities, manage finances, communicate vision, and lead teams are weakened. In essence, the raw materials of entrepreneurship — critical thinking, clarity, and resilience — are compromised before many young people even enter the workforce.
The problem is compounded by systemic challenges. The 2024 NAEP assessment didn’t just measure skills; it also surveyed students about their opportunities to engage with reading and learning outside the classroom. Many reported fewer chances to develop these habits. Twelfth-grade math scores are now lower than in 2005, when this version of the test was first administered. Even high-performing students are plateauing, while the lowest-performing students are sliding further into decline. This widening gap is particularly dangerous, as it means the future may see a sharp divide between a small group prepared for success and a large segment left behind.
Entrepreneurship has always been a vital pathway to achieving the American Dream. But unlike previous generations, today’s aspiring entrepreneurs face a far more complex, globalized economy. Competing against nations that are heavily investing in education, science, and technology, America risks falling behind. If our students lack the tools to compete, then our entrepreneurs — and by extension, our economy — will struggle to innovate at the scale and speed required.
The long-term effects of these declines are nothing short of alarming. If left unchecked, today’s educational gaps will translate into fewer business leaders tomorrow, weaker small-business ecosystems, and a diminished capacity for innovation. Worse, they will exacerbate inequality, as only those with access to supplemental tutoring, private schools, or family resources will develop the skills needed to succeed. The very foundation of the American Dream — opportunity accessible to all — will be at risk.
Still, this story does not have to end in decline. There is hope, but it requires urgency. These results must serve as a wake-up call. As Soldner emphasized, they should galvanize “concerted, focused action to accelerate student learning.” That means policymakers must prioritize investment in public education. Communities must rally around initiatives that value literacy, numeracy, and lifelong learning. Businesses can play a key role, not only by supporting schools financially but also by partnering to provide mentorship, internships, and real-world applications of classroom lessons. And families must re-engage, encouraging a culture of curiosity, problem-solving, and resilience at home.
Entrepreneurs are not born fully formed; they are nurtured by experience, challenge, and education. Tomorrow’s innovators are sitting in classrooms today, already dreaming of building the next great company, franchise, or small business. Whether they have the skills to turn those dreams into reality depends on the actions we take now to reverse the decline in education. America has long prided itself on being the land of opportunity, where ideas can become reality. Ensuring that tomorrow’s entrepreneurs can read, compute, and think critically is the surest way to keep that promise alive — and to ensure the American Dream remains within reach for generations to come.
Make today a great day. Make it happen. Make it count.
About the Author
Paul Segreto brings over four decades of hands-on experience in franchising, restaurants, and small business development. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, Paul has helped countless individuals turn their visions into thriving ventures. Ready to take your next step in business or looking for expert insight to overcome today’s challenges? Reach out directly to Paul at paul@acceler8success.com — your path to success may be one conversation away.
